Update May 19: According to figures released Friday by the Virginia Board of Workforce Development, 183 employees at the Martin’s Food Market at Monticello Marketplace will be laid off following the store’s closure in July.
Martin’s Food Market announced Wednesday its Williamsburg supermarket will be permanently closing July 10.
In a press release, the company revealed nine locations in eastern Virginia will close their doors this summer.
“Throughout this difficult process, our top concern has been to take care of our associates and treat them fairly and with respect,” said Tom Lenkevich, president of GIANT/MARTIN’S. “We know our associates’ continued dedication to our customers will provide excellent service in the coming weeks. We are also making a best in class commitment to take care of our people with a strong severance package.”
Martin’s is located along Monticello Avenue in Monticello Marketplace in James City County.
In addition to the Williamsburg store, four locations in Richmond, and stores in Chesterfield, Ashland, Midlothian and Chester will also close this summer.
After the announcement Wednesday morning Martin’s employees said they were sad to see the store closing, but remained optimistic about their futures.
“I really enjoyed working here,” said employee Sarah Graber, who has worked at Martin’s for three years. She added she works 20 hours a week at Martin’s and also has a job in retail to support her five children and three dogs.
“It means I’m going to work at my second job more or find another job to supplement it,” Graber said. “I think it’ll be okay. It’s like they say, when one door closes another one opens.”
Employees said they intend to continue working at Martin’s until July 10 to be eligible for severance packages. However, they said they are considering their employment options for a post-Martin’s future.
“It’s one of those situations where you can see what’s out there, but I have to stay until July,” said 32-year-old Omar Amaya, who has worked at Ukrops/Martin’s for more than a decade. “It’s hard to apply for another job when you have to stay until July for the severance.”
A Martin’s manager asked WYDaily reporters to leave the store after speaking with a handful of employees. A Martin’s spokesperson did not return request for comment Wednesday morning.
Added Lenkevich, “We want to thank our associates for their hard work and dedication over the years, and we are grateful for the loyalty of our many customers.”
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
