Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, SportsBluefield Reacts to Closing Kroger

Bluefield Reacts to Closing Kroger

The closings stunned workers and also members of the community.

The city of Bluefield has seen several businesses leave the area in recent years and the loss of the Kroger store and the bottling plant are just another blow to a struggling town.

So much more than just a grocery store.

"I raised my children on this store," Shopper Tim Glover said.

Tim Glover has been shopping at the Bluefield Kroger since 1975 and the stores closing will send him miles away for his groceries.

"Now we will have to go to Princeton or Bluewell for our shopping," Glover continued.

Life-time resident Bonnie Taylor who has lived in Bluefield since the 1950s said she has seen the city's landscape change but this closure comes as a startling announcement.

"I'm really shocked. It is really upsetting," Shopper Bonnie Taylor said.

Most shoppers said they will miss the convenience of the Kroger's location. Others said they will miss the hometown treatment from workers. But all agreed,  it is truly the 28 full time workers and 26 part time workers who will feel the burn when the store closes it's door forever.

"I am sad for a lot of people who lost their job, Shannon Breeden said. "Hopefully they can get placed elsewhere"

Shoppers can still check out at their favorite store until March 30th when Kroger will close for good.

Spokespeople with Kroger say the full-time employees will be eligible for jobs at other store locations.