Earth Fare, the natural and organic grocery store chain, announced Monday it is liquidating all its stores, including the Williamsburg location in old Monticello Shopping Center.
“Earth Fare has been proud to serve the natural and organic grocery market, and the decision to begin the process of closing our stores was not entered into lightly,” according to a news release from the chain. “We’d like to thank our Team Members for their commitment and dedication to serving our customers, and our vendors and suppliers for their partnership.”
Earth Fare’s decision to close and liquidate inventory was because of retail challenges and its inability to refinance debt, according to the news release.
The company will try and sell its inventory in whole or in parts and shoppers are encouraged to buy discounted merchandise as well as store fixtures.
It’s unclear when the Williamsburg location will close.
“There is not specific closing dates,” said Jennifer Mercer, spokeswoman for Earth Fare.
She said the liquidation is ongoing and the company plans to sell its inventory through the end of February.
The Asheville-based chain opened its Williamsburg location, 208 Monticello Ave., in June 2018 and hired approximately 130 people.
RELATED STORY: We got a tour of Earth Fare. Here’s what it looks like inside