Ritichies IGA will close and vacate Griffith Central in late May or early June.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Staff were told on Wednesday morning by Ritchies CEO Fred Harrison.
"The store has become unviable over time, it hasn't been trading well and COVID-19 hasn't helped with sales," Mr Harrison said.
Since 2007, Ritchies IGA Supermarket has been a cornerstone of Griffith Central.
"I understand that we have a loyal group of customers, and I would like to acknowledge their loyalty over the last 12.5 years," Mr Harrison said.
Mr Harrison praised the efforts of staff at the store and said the closure was no fault of theirs.
"It's no criticism of the team, they've done a fabulous job," Mr Harrison said.
Permanent and part-time staff were offered the chance to work elsewhere for Ritchies - the business operates 75 stores in Victoria, NSW and Queensland.
Mr Harrison said the Ritchies had worked well with Griffith Central's management and remarked the closure was not reflection of the shopping centre's management.
READ MORE
Ritchies' Community Benefit scheme had raised around $170,000 for Griffith's charities and community groups.
Griffith Central's centre manager Cheryl Wood had been a key part of life in the shopping centre.
"We're sad to see Ritchies go, they've been a great tenant since 2007," she said.
She said the supermarket had supported events like Superchef, City to Lake, bushfire appeals and the Italian Day Festival.
Ms Wood said Griffith Central was planning several announcements for new stores in the centre in the near future, including a new anchor tenant to replace Ritchies.
"We expect to announce a number of new stores opening in the centre in coming months," she said.