News Summary
The IGA grocery store located on Pinewood Road in Sumter has closed unexpectedly due to low inventory, ahead of its planned shutdown on July 12. The parent company, Alex Lee Inc., is shifting focus to new store developments and remodeling projects. Local officials and community members express concern over the closure, recognizing the store as an essential community resource. Efforts are underway to attract a new grocery partner, ensuring access to essential goods for residents in the area.
Sumter, SC – A longtime IGA grocery store on Pinewood Road has unexpectedly closed ahead of its planned shutdown date of Friday, July 12. The closure was attributed to low inventory levels, compelling the store to cease operations earlier than anticipated.
Alex Lee Inc., the parent company of the IGA brand, confirmed the closure and noted that several factors influenced this decision. The company is currently focusing on new store development, remodeling projects, and expanding its retail portfolio. This shift in strategic direction follows the closure of other IGA locations, including one in Holly Hill and another in Sumter, with an additional closure planned for Lancaster, SC.
The Pinewood Road location was a staple in the community, providing a local grocery option to residents. Following the closure announcement, Sumter County Councilman Carlton B. Washington expressed disappointment, recognizing both the significance of the store to the local community and the necessity of the business decision made by Alex Lee Inc.
Washington stated that city officials are actively engaged in identifying a new grocery partner to fill the void left by the closure. There is hope among officials and residents that a chain such as Publix may be attracted to the area. Community members have expressed concern over the loss of not just a shopping venue but a vital community resource.
Local resident Catherine Pack emphasized the personal connection many have with the IGA store, highlighting its commitment to customer service and the neighborhood bond it fostered. Pack’s sentiments are shared by numerous individuals who frequented the store, underscoring the role that local grocery stores play in building community ties.
Employees from the Pinewood Road IGA have been offered transfer opportunities to other stores within the Alex Lee Inc. network, alleviating some of the immediate impacts of the closure on local workers. Meanwhile, another IGA location located on Wesmark Boulevard in Sumter remains open and currently has no plans for closure.
In light of the grocery void, city council members have scheduled upcoming meetings to discuss strategies for attracting a new grocery chain to the Pinewood Road area. The focus will be on ensuring that residents have access to essential goods and services in the wake of the IGA’s closure. As the community navigates this transition, the response from local officials and efforts to secure a new grocery partner will be closely monitored.
The IGA grocery store has served Sumter for many years, with a focus on providing local access to food and household necessities. Its departure raises questions about the future of grocery accessibility in the area, especially for residents who relied on its services. The developments following the IGA’s closure will be critical in determining how the community adapts to the changes in its grocery landscape.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Sumter IGA Closure
- Wikipedia: Grocery Store
- The State: Local Crime News
- Google Search: Sumter grocery store closure
- WISTV: Sumter County Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community
- Live 5 News: Walmart Shooting in Sumter
- Google News: Sumter community news
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
