USA: Sunflower Markets close down

The Minneapolis-based Supervalu announced that all five Sunflower Markets will be closed down this month. The company's original plan was to open 50 Sunflower Markets within the next five years, which is invalid now.

The markets are located in Columbus, Ohio, in Indianapolis and Chicago and employ a total of 140 people. The Indianapolis location was opened in January 2006 and was battling Wild Oats, Trader Joe’s and Fresh Market locally, reports the Indianapolis Star. According to Haley Meyer, spokeswoman for the parent company, stores did not meet Supervalu’s goals. However, she did not comment on a specific performance, but blamed it on the format. 

The Sunflower Markets and certified organic stores feature various products like meat, deli, fresh baked goods, frozen foods, dairy products, cheese, seafood, beer and wine, for example. On certain days, customers are able to sample or meet with a chiropractor.

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