A beloved grocery chain is quietly closing locations—here’s what’s behind the trend
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If you grew up shopping at a familiar neighborhood grocery store, you may have noticed some of them quietly disappearing.
One long-standing chain with deep roots in the South and Midwest is among the latest to shut its doors in multiple towns.
These closures often come with little warning, leaving loyal shoppers scrambling for alternatives.
Many are wondering what’s fueling this wave of grocery store shutdowns—and whether their own community store could be next.
Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes and what it could mean for your local shelves.
Founded in 1916 in Memphis, Tennessee, Piggly Wiggly made history as the first self-service grocery store in the United States.
Over the decades, it became a regional staple with thousands of locations at its peak.
Today, about 500 independently owned stores remain, mostly in the South and Midwest—but that number is shrinking.
Just this past summer, Piggly Wiggly stores shut down in Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.
In Wautoma, Wisconsin, the store closed after more than 20 years and is set to become a wholesale facility.
In Gordon, Georgia, the store closed in August due to underperformance. And in Columbia, South Carolina, the beloved “Social Pig” served its final customer after decades as a neighborhood hub.
One resident in Brookfield, Wisconsin, described the loss of their local store as feeling like “a death in the family.”
There isn’t one single reason these closures are happening—it’s a combination of challenges that are adding up:
Walmart is now the largest grocery retailer in the US, accounting for around one in every four dollars spent on groceries, according to the Center for Rural Affairs.
With that kind of scale, it's no surprise smaller competitors are feeling the heat.
When Walmart opens in a new region, it can draw shoppers from miles away thanks to its pricing, extended hours, and wide product selection.
While convenient for consumers, this kind of expansion can be devastating for local grocers who can’t match those offerings.
For chains like Piggly Wiggly, the effect can be especially severe—leading to closures in areas that once depended on them.
And it’s not just grocery stores. Clothing, electronics, home goods, and other retail categories are also being hit hard by this competitive pressure.
The situation at Piggly Wiggly is part of a much larger pattern.
Retail experts estimate that as many as 45,000 brick-and-mortar stores could close in the US over the next five years.
In 2023 alone, major retailers such as Foot Locker, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Tuesday Morning either closed hundreds of locations or filed for bankruptcy.
While grocery stores once seemed more resilient to these trends, they’re no longer immune.
Between shifting consumer behavior and rising costs, the industry is being reshaped from the ground up.
When a local grocery store closes, the loss is often more than just inconvenience.
These stores provide jobs, support local farmers and vendors, and serve as social gathering spots—especially for seniors or those without access to transportation.
Losing one can mean longer travel times, fewer fresh food options, and a diminished sense of community.
That said, some small retailers are adapting.
By offering personalized service, locally sourced products, and in some cases online ordering, they’re finding ways to stay relevant despite tough odds.
If keeping small businesses alive matters to you, there are steps you can take:
Industry experts predict that while the total number of stores will likely decrease, those that remain will be stronger, more efficient, and better adapted to serve their communities.
Big-box stores like Walmart, Target, Costco, and Home Depot are expected to continue growing.
But smaller players still have a chance—especially those who focus on community, specialization, and strong customer service.
Read next: Is your favorite store next? Iconic retail giant closing down in one of America’s top malls – find out why!
Have you lost a favorite grocery store in your area? How did it affect your routine or your neighborhood? We’d love to hear your stories and tips for supporting local retailers—share them below and help others stay connected.
One long-standing chain with deep roots in the South and Midwest is among the latest to shut its doors in multiple towns.
These closures often come with little warning, leaving loyal shoppers scrambling for alternatives.
Many are wondering what’s fueling this wave of grocery store shutdowns—and whether their own community store could be next.
Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes and what it could mean for your local shelves.
Once-familiar grocery stores are closing their doors, leaving communities searching for new options. Image Source: Pexels / Jan Van Bizar.
A grocery icon with over a century of history
Founded in 1916 in Memphis, Tennessee, Piggly Wiggly made history as the first self-service grocery store in the United States.
Over the decades, it became a regional staple with thousands of locations at its peak.
Today, about 500 independently owned stores remain, mostly in the South and Midwest—but that number is shrinking.
Just this past summer, Piggly Wiggly stores shut down in Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.
In Wautoma, Wisconsin, the store closed after more than 20 years and is set to become a wholesale facility.
In Gordon, Georgia, the store closed in August due to underperformance. And in Columbia, South Carolina, the beloved “Social Pig” served its final customer after decades as a neighborhood hub.
One resident in Brookfield, Wisconsin, described the loss of their local store as feeling like “a death in the family.”
Also read: This beloved peanut shop is closing—what its final farewell means for small towns everywhere
Why so many grocery stores are closing
There isn’t one single reason these closures are happening—it’s a combination of challenges that are adding up:
- Thin profit margins: Grocery stores operate with some of the lowest profit margins in retail, meaning even slight dips in sales or increases in costs can be damaging.
- Rising costs: Expenses for labor, equipment, utilities, and rent have all climbed in recent years, especially with inflation.
- Shifting habits: More people are buying groceries online or turning to meal delivery services instead of shopping in person.
- Intense competition: Big-box stores with wide selections and low prices are putting enormous pressure on smaller chains.
Also read: After 117 years, LA's oldest sandwich shop is closing—and here's why it matters
Walmart’s growing footprint and its ripple effects
Walmart is now the largest grocery retailer in the US, accounting for around one in every four dollars spent on groceries, according to the Center for Rural Affairs.
With that kind of scale, it's no surprise smaller competitors are feeling the heat.
When Walmart opens in a new region, it can draw shoppers from miles away thanks to its pricing, extended hours, and wide product selection.
While convenient for consumers, this kind of expansion can be devastating for local grocers who can’t match those offerings.
For chains like Piggly Wiggly, the effect can be especially severe—leading to closures in areas that once depended on them.
And it’s not just grocery stores. Clothing, electronics, home goods, and other retail categories are also being hit hard by this competitive pressure.
Also read: Major furniture chain is closing stores—here’s how to grab up to 50% off
Retail closures are accelerating across the country
The situation at Piggly Wiggly is part of a much larger pattern.
Retail experts estimate that as many as 45,000 brick-and-mortar stores could close in the US over the next five years.
In 2023 alone, major retailers such as Foot Locker, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Tuesday Morning either closed hundreds of locations or filed for bankruptcy.
While grocery stores once seemed more resilient to these trends, they’re no longer immune.
Between shifting consumer behavior and rising costs, the industry is being reshaped from the ground up.
Also read: Is your favorite home store closing? Some locations are getting a second chance
What this means for your community
When a local grocery store closes, the loss is often more than just inconvenience.
These stores provide jobs, support local farmers and vendors, and serve as social gathering spots—especially for seniors or those without access to transportation.
Losing one can mean longer travel times, fewer fresh food options, and a diminished sense of community.
That said, some small retailers are adapting.
By offering personalized service, locally sourced products, and in some cases online ordering, they’re finding ways to stay relevant despite tough odds.
Also read: Are your online shopping costs about to skyrocket? What you need to know before the August 29 law hits
How you can support your local grocer
If keeping small businesses alive matters to you, there are steps you can take:
- Shop locally when possible — Even partial support helps.
- Tell others — Spread the word about deals, events, and loyalty programs.
- Engage with your store — Attend events or farmers’ markets if they’re offered.
- Ask about perks — Many independent grocers offer discounts or rewards for loyal shoppers.
Also read: JCPenney announces more store closures with major discounts for shoppers
What the future may look like
Industry experts predict that while the total number of stores will likely decrease, those that remain will be stronger, more efficient, and better adapted to serve their communities.
Big-box stores like Walmart, Target, Costco, and Home Depot are expected to continue growing.
But smaller players still have a chance—especially those who focus on community, specialization, and strong customer service.
Read next: Is your favorite store next? Iconic retail giant closing down in one of America’s top malls – find out why!
Have you lost a favorite grocery store in your area? How did it affect your routine or your neighborhood? We’d love to hear your stories and tips for supporting local retailers—share them below and help others stay connected.
