Carolina Farmin’ closing Market Street store

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A local grocery store just had its grand opening on Market Street back in August 2011. But now, just two years later, the owners of Carolina Farmin’ say it’s time to move.

Loyal customers say they are saddened by the news.

“I’m feeling very sad,” shopper David Aslanian said. “I come in here twice a day. I come in the morning for coffee and then I come and get fresh meat and vegetables for the afternoon for dinner.”

But Aslanian quickly cheered up when he heard this would not be the end of Carolina Farmin’.

“I went from mad to sad,” he said.

President and General Manager, Ben Long, says several factors led up to the decision to close the doors at their Market Street store.

He says they weren’t able to come to new lease terms with the property owner, and there are problems with the building and parking lot.

“We do feel like, once again, our customers deserve to pull into a parking lot of which is safe, and navigable,” Long said. “We also feel like whenever they come in the November, December, and January months that they can be comfortable shopping, and not have to wear scarves”

Carolina Farmin’ fans shouldn’t fret over the closure. Long says he has plans to open new locations by next Spring.

In the meantime, you can still buy some items through the online store, as well as in person at several upcoming events.

Randall Heath, Community Outreach and Promotions Coordinator says the future is bright for Carolina Farmin’.

“This should not be seen as a sad day at all in terms of the store closing, but more of an exciting time of where we are going,” Heath said.

And loyal customers say they will follow the store wherever it goes.

“All they have to do is let me know where they’re going to be, and I’ll be there,” customer Delores Lane said.

“Patience is a virtue, I’ll wait,” Aslanian said.

Long says customers should stay tuned for news of upcoming Carolina Farmin’ events.

He says they will hopefully be making some big announcements about new locations soon.