Walt’s Food Centers is closing its South Holland store, a community where the small family own chain started nearly nine decades ago.
In a letter posted for customers outside the store, 16145 State St., the company said the store will close Sept. 28 and it is working to relocate employees to other Walt’s locations.
“This decision was not made lightly and was influenced by the current market conditions and the significant investment that would be required to improve and maintain our aging facility,” the letter reads.
Walt’s said it has started working with South Holland leadership “to determine the best way for this property to be redeveloped in a way that adds to the vitality” of the suburb.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support and loyalty you have shown us over the years,” the letter, taped to entrance doors, reads. “It has been our honor to serve you and your families for many generations.”
Walt’s also has stores in Beecher, Crete, Homewood and Dyer, Indinana.
The letter notes the location “has been more than just a business; it has been a part of this special community where our journey began more than 87 years ago.”
Walt’s closed a store in Tinley Park, 16039 S. Harlem Ave., in June 2021. Walt’s had been an anchor in Tinley Park Plaza since 1984.
In late 2018, Walt’s closed a store in Frankfort, 20825 S. LaGrange Road.
Outside the South Holland store Tuesday, Aubrey Howard said she does not patronize that store as often as she once did.
“Maybe every two or three weeks, but I have been stopping more at Jewel,” which has a South Holland store less than a mile away, on 162nd Street.
Howard said one reason she hasn’t been coming to Walt’s as often has been the store’s appearance.
“It’s just sort of run-down looking, not really dirty or anything, but just not as clean as I remember,” the South Holland resident said.
A message left Tuesday with Walt’s was not immediately returned. South Holland confirmed the closing in an email, sending a statement that mirrors the letter posted at the store.
mnolan@southtownstar.com
