A Bittersweet Goodbye as Wegmans Bids Adieu to its Unconventional Natick Outpost
TWC – In a surprising turn of events, Wegmans has decided to close one of its most prominent locations, leaving customers and employees disheartened. The mammoth 134,000-square-foot supermarket in Natick, Massachusetts, which opened just five years ago, will cease operations this summer. Known for its unrivaled scale, this multi-level grocery store embedded within the Natick Mall was an epitome of novelty, capturing the attention of patrons far and wide.
Arriving in 2018, the Wegmans store swiftly became a beacon of retail excellence. Transformed from a former J.C. Penney space, the sprawling establishment embraced its newfound home and became the company’s first-ever multi-level venture nested within a major mall. A key highlight of this architectural marvel was the presence of Blue Dalia, a Mexican restaurant that adorned the second floor. What truly set these Wegmans apart was the ingenious implementation of a particular escalator system that facilitated the easy transportation of shopping carts across both levels.
Regrettably, despite its avant-garde allure, the unconventional location failed to attract a substantial customer base, rendering the business model unsustainable. Brien MacKendrick, the Wegmans New England human resources director, expressed his disappointment, stating, “Unfortunately, with this non-traditional location, we are unable to attract enough customers for our business model to work.”
While an exact date for the closure is yet to be announced, Wegmans is dedicated to supporting the affected employees during this transitional phase. Alternative job opportunities within the state are being extended to all staff members, with options available in Burlington, Chestnut Hill, Medford, Northboro, and Westwood, Massachusetts. The company remains committed to serving its loyal Natick community through its e-commerce offerings and other existing nearby stores.
In response to concerns about further closures, Wegmans has no plans to shut down additional locations. As a prominent player in the retail grocery industry, Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. currently operates over 110 stores across eight states and Washington, D.C. Notably, and the company has achieved an impressive feat of being named one of Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” for an incredible 26 consecutive years.
Although bidding farewell to the Natick store is undeniably a loss for both Wegmans and the local community, the company remains optimistic about future endeavors in the area. Brien MacKendrick reassured, “We love our Natick community and customers, and we’re eager to pursue new store locations in the area for the future.” In the interim, Wegmans hopes to maintain its commitment to Natick customers through its flourishing e-commerce platform and the unwavering support of its other nearby stores.