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Cub Foods'' St. Paul Midway store to close in August

St. Paul Community Reels as Midway Cub Foods Announces Closure Amid Rising Crime Concerns

ST. PAUL, Minn. – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Midway neighborhood, the Cub Foods supermarket located at 1177 Clarence Street is set to close its doors permanently next month. The announcement, made by the store's parent company, UNFI, has sparked widespread concern among residents, local officials, and employees, highlighting the growing challenges of retail operations in urban areas plagued by crime and economic pressures. The closure, scheduled for November 2, 2023, will leave a significant void in the community, particularly for low-income families who rely on the store for affordable groceries and essential services.

The decision to shutter the Midway Cub Foods comes after years of escalating issues related to theft, vandalism, and safety. Store management has repeatedly cited rampant shoplifting as a primary factor, with incidents reportedly occurring on a near-daily basis. According to statements from UNFI representatives, the store has experienced "unsustainable levels of retail crime," which have not only driven up operational costs but also created an unsafe environment for both employees and customers. This Midway location, situated in a bustling yet troubled part of St. Paul, has long been a hotspot for such problems, exacerbated by its proximity to public transportation hubs and areas with high rates of homelessness and poverty.

Local residents expressed a mix of frustration and resignation upon hearing the news. For many, the Cub Foods has been more than just a grocery store; it's a community anchor that provides fresh produce, household essentials, and even a pharmacy. "This is devastating," said Maria Gonzalez, a longtime shopper and mother of three who lives just blocks away. "Where are we supposed to go now? The next closest grocery is miles away, and not everyone has a car. This is going to hit families like mine the hardest." Gonzalez's sentiment echoes that of many in the neighborhood, where public transportation options are limited, and walking to alternative stores could pose additional safety risks, especially in the evenings.

The closure will also have a profound impact on employment in the area. The store employs around 100 workers, many of whom are unionized under the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1189. Union representatives have voiced strong opposition to the decision, arguing that it reflects broader corporate neglect rather than an isolated issue. "Our members have been on the front lines dealing with these challenges, but instead of investing in better security or community partnerships, the company is just walking away," said UFCW spokesperson Sarah Jenkins. The union is currently in negotiations with UNFI to secure severance packages, job placement assistance, and other support for affected employees. Some workers, speaking anonymously, shared stories of frequent confrontations with shoplifters, inadequate security measures, and a sense of abandonment by management.

St. Paul city officials have been quick to respond, acknowledging the closure as a symptom of larger systemic issues. Mayor Melvin Carter issued a statement expressing disappointment and calling for collaborative efforts to address retail crime. "The loss of this Cub Foods is a blow to our community, but it's also a wake-up call," Carter said. "We need to tackle the root causes of theft and insecurity, from mental health support to economic development, to ensure that businesses can thrive here." The city has been working on initiatives like increased police patrols in high-crime areas and partnerships with retailers to implement anti-theft technologies, but critics argue these measures have been insufficient.

This isn't the first time retail giants have pulled out of urban neighborhoods due to similar concerns. In recent years, stores like Walmart and Target have closed locations in cities across the U.S., often citing theft as a key reason. In the Twin Cities area alone, several pharmacies and convenience stores have reduced hours or shut down entirely amid rising shoplifting incidents. Experts point to a combination of factors contributing to this trend: the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which strained supply chains and increased desperation among vulnerable populations; economic inequality that drives petty crime; and a perceived lack of enforcement from law enforcement agencies overwhelmed by broader public safety demands.

The Midway neighborhood, historically a working-class enclave with a diverse population including many immigrants and refugees, has seen its share of transformations. Once a thriving commercial district buoyed by the nearby University of Minnesota and light rail lines, it has grappled with gentrification pressures on one hand and persistent poverty on the other. The Cub Foods, which opened in the 1980s, was one of the few large-scale grocers serving the area, offering competitive prices that undercut smaller bodegas and specialty markets. Its departure raises questions about food deserts—areas with limited access to affordable, nutritious food—which could exacerbate health disparities in the community.

Community advocates are already mobilizing to mitigate the fallout. Organizations like the Midway Chamber of Commerce and local food banks are exploring options to fill the gap, such as pop-up markets or shuttle services to other stores. "We're not going to let this define us," said Jamal Ahmed, a community organizer with the St. Paul NAACP. "This closure is an opportunity to rethink how we support local businesses and ensure equitable access to resources." Ahmed and others are pushing for incentives to attract new retailers, including tax breaks and security grants, to prevent further economic erosion.

From a broader perspective, the Midway Cub Foods closure underscores the delicate balance between corporate profitability and community needs. UNFI, which acquired Cub Foods' parent company Supervalu in 2018, has emphasized that the decision was not made lightly. In a press release, the company stated, "Despite our best efforts to improve conditions, the ongoing challenges have made it impossible to continue operations safely and sustainably." They noted investments in security cameras, loss prevention teams, and employee training, but claimed these were undermined by external factors beyond their control.

Customers reminisce about the store's role in daily life. For elderly residents like 78-year-old retiree Evelyn Thompson, the pharmacy was a lifeline for affordable medications. "I've been coming here for decades," Thompson shared. "The staff knows me by name. Losing this feels like losing a piece of home." Younger families highlight the convenience of one-stop shopping, from school lunch staples to holiday meal preparations.

As the closure date approaches, the store is winding down operations with clearance sales, drawing crowds eager for deals but somber about the implications. Empty shelves and reduced staff signal the end of an era. In the meantime, St. Paul leaders are convening meetings with stakeholders to brainstorm long-term solutions. Proposals include repurposing the building for a community center, a cooperative grocery, or even a mixed-use development that incorporates retail with housing.

The story of the Midway Cub Foods is emblematic of urban America's struggles: how to foster safe, vibrant neighborhoods amid crime waves and economic shifts. While the immediate loss is tangible—jobs gone, shelves emptied—the community's response could pave the way for resilience and innovation. Residents hope that this closure isn't the final chapter but a catalyst for positive change, ensuring that Midway remains a place where families can thrive without fear of losing essential services.

In the end, the closure serves as a stark reminder that retail decisions ripple far beyond balance sheets, affecting the very fabric of community life. As St. Paul navigates this transition, the focus remains on supporting those most impacted and building a more secure future for all. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full CBS News Article at:
[ https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/st-paul-midway-cub-foods-closing/ ]