By Clark 
Wegmans launched its expansive store in Natick, Massachusetts, in 2018, marking one of the company’s most distinctive sites to date. The inaugural multi-level Wegmans opened within a prominent shopping center, the Natick Mall, and remains one of the largest stores in the East Coast chain, spanning an impressive 134,000 square feet.
The supermarket features an extensive grocery assortment, a shopping cart conveyor system for inter-floor navigation, a burger establishment, and a coffee bar. A full-service Mexican restaurant was located on the second floor when the store debuted, but it subsequently shuttered in 2019.
Regrettably, the distinctive allure proved insufficient to sustain the Natick store’s operations. Wegmans revealed this week its intention to close the location later this summer, although the business has not yet established a specific closing date.
Making these determinations is invariably challenging. Brien MacKendrick, human resources director of the Wegmans New England division, stated, “We undertake this for the long-term advantage of our employees, customers, and communities.” “Regrettably, this unconventional location hinders our ability to attract a sufficient customer base for our business model to succeed.”
The store employs 365 individuals, comprising 142 full-time and 223 part-time staff. Wegmans is providing employment opportunities at alternative locations in the vicinity to all employees of the Natick Mall.
Although Natick may be losing its mall supermarket, Wegmans has not dismissed the possibility of establishing other stores in the region in the future. The company identified Natick as an optimal location for a store in 2009 but was unable to secure an appropriate site until the mall location became available.
MacKendrick expressed enthusiasm for the Natick neighborhood and its customers, stating a desire to explore more store locations in the region moving forward. “Meanwhile, we aspire to continue serving our Natick clientele through our e-commerce platforms and additional local stores.”
Wegmans presently operates 110 stores on the East Coast and has six additional locations planned, including its second site in New York City, anticipated to open in the latter half of 2023.
Following the closure in Natick, the company will align with an increasing number of grocery chains that are terminating operations in 2023. Sprouts Farmers Market intends to shutter 11 underperforming locations in the first half of the year.
Walmart has undertaken a closure initiative this year, terminating operations at over 20 locations in Illinois, Oregon, Wisconsin, Texas, Georgia, and additional states, as reported by Business Insider.