While a few grocery store chains in Texas have been closing stores across Texas, H-E-B has only been growing. But the San Antonio-based supermarket chain isn’t immune to everything. One of its Central Texas outposts is shutting down for good.
On Thursday, an H-E-B representative confirmed to Chron the grocer will close its Spicewood Springs location at 12869 Research Blvd. on Friday, July 31. The reason? The grocery store is approaching the end of its lease.
“The decision comes as part of the company’s ongoing evaluation of its store network and long-term growth strategy, including investments in nearby locations designed to better serve customers across the market,” H-E-B’s statement read.
H-E-B opened the Spicewood Springs store in the early 1980s. In its statement, the grocer described the location as a “smaller, outdated facility.” Customers are being encouraged to visit five stores nearby, each featuring more modernized facilities and better shopping experiences. H-E-B said it will offer free curbside and delivery for a month:
Employees at the affected Spicewood Springs location will be offered positions at other stores. H-E-B has also signaled it will donate $40,000 to four local organizations ($10,000 each), including Caraway Elementary School, Canyon Vista Middle School, Austin Fire Station #44, and Spicewood Springs Branch Library.
H-E-B has emerged as one of the biggest success stories in the grocery sector, a fact that’s been especially pronounced in an era rife with market uncertainty and shifting consumer behavior. The Texas grocer’s investment in private labels and focus on regional growth has built enviable brand loyalty and become a model for competitors to follow.
Supermarkets like Kroger and Target have also made inroads into creating “local” experiences for shoppers, whether by developing stores that specifically cater to the communities they serve or providing locally sourced goods.