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Sentry Closing in January

Sentry has provided notice to Mount Pleasant that it will be permanently closing its doors in January.

 

Albrecht Foods Racine, which operates the Sentry grocery store at 5740 Washington Ave., will permanently close in January. 

About 60 people will lose their jobs, according to the notice Albrecht Foods sent Mount Pleasant on Wednesday, as required by state statute. The anticipated last day of employment for all affected employees will be Jan. 11. The state Department of Workforce Development has not yet received the notice. 

Employees were notified of the closing on Wednesday. 

Greg Schilz, general manager of the store, said that because of the economy the store had struggled for several years, but with Walmart being built across the street they couldn't remain open.

“Racine has been very slow to recover,” Schilz said. “We never really got off to the start we intended and needed to be a viable business. We’ve been struggling and now with the addition of Walmart in an already overcrowded market place, we had to make a very difficult business decision.

“We appreciate the opportunity to have had a store in Racine. We’re sorry this didn’t work out and that we couldn’t provide a healthy, viable entity for our employees.”

Jody and Sunday Muniz own Nutritional Designs & Pharmacy inside the store. On Facebook, they assured their customers that while they will need to find a new location, they have no intention of closing.

Late last night we were notified that Sentry Foods will be closing their doors January 11, 2013. As this is terrible news, rest assured Nutritional Designs & Pharmacy remains passionately committed to remaining ambassadors for the local community, with regards to Pharmacy and Wellness Solutions. Although Sentry's misfortune affects us, we are a strong, vibrant company and have NO intentions of closing. We will continue to posts updates as our strategic planning allows.

The intersection of Highways 20 and 31 currently has three grocery stores—Sentry, GFS Marketplace and Piggly Wiggly—and a Walmart Neighborhood Market is expected to open next year on the fourth corner.

In May, Patch reported that a market study commissioned by owners of the local Sentry and Piggly Wiggly stores said the new Walmart "would eventually prove fatal to both The Pig, Sentry and, potentially, the Pick-n-Save on Rapids Drive." 

“I was at every one of the meetings where Walmart was on the agenda and spoke at most,” Schilz said. “The biggest hurdle was rezoning, and I asked them not to vote and they did. That became the hook they needed to get the store.”

Albrecht Foods also owns a Sentry store in Delafield, which will remain open.

 

UPDATED Novemeber 9, 2012 at 10:22am:

“It is a sad situation and we will miss all the nice people at Sentry,” stated Pharmacist and Owner of Nutritional Designs Pharmacy in Mount Pleasant, “but we are a strong and vibrant company and I am confident we will stay in the immediate area.”

Recent news of the closing of Sentry on Washington Avenue has hit many people hard in these challenging economic times. And for Sunday and Jody Muniz whose business currently resides within the grocery store, it may sting that much more.

Muniz says they have been caught in a crossroads but will likely find a new home in Mount Pleasant. And the possibility of staying in the same location has not yet been ruled out. Truth is, no one really knows what is going to happen at this point. Within 24 hours of the announcement, the Munizes met with their business consultants for many hours to strategize and examine their options.

“We are here to serve our customers and community. We will not abandon all the people who come from all over for our services. We want to make sure there is very minimal disruption to our customers,” says Muniz, “Our goal is to stay in Mount Pleasant if possible.”

Jody Muniz also expressed great appreciation for all the overwhelming support they have received from their customers via phone and Facebook. He gives his sincere gratitude.


Related Topics: Sentry and Walmart Neighborhood Market

JustinH

12:27 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

Well, Wal-Mart isn't even there yet, so obviously something else caused the store to close.

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Heather in Caledonia

12:34 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

It's Interesting that they announced this the day after the election, eh?

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Heather Asiyanbi

1:09 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

@Heather - interesting in what way? Sentry has been struggling for a while now.

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SturtResident

2:25 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

I find it very interesting that Schilz tried to make an issue of WalMart forcing other grocers out of business, and it turns out his Sentry couldn't even survive to the groundbreaking of WalMart. Tells me something was going on well before WM's announcements and he was simply looking for a scapegoat. Not to worry, I'm sure the employees can find a job at WalMart, and probably make more money than at Sentry. A heck of a lot more opportunities exist with WalMart.

Patrick Flynn

1:03 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

I think it has more to do with poor marketing and primarily very little community involvement. If you want to thrive in a community you need to be a part of it.

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Sandra Baggott

1:16 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012

Regarding Community Involvement and independently owner operated stores will be missed.
I am a local product developer of (the Hang Away Universal Toothbrush Holder). Sentry and Piggly Wiggly immediately offered my product for sale without charging me slotting fees. I have experienced how corporate Wal-Mart and (Roundy's Pick’n Save) stores charge monthly vendor fees that choke off local entrepreneur businesses in need of test stores.

Nicci spranger

1:15 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

I like sentry but they are expensive just like jewels was and they didn't stay long either. Sad to see all those people lose there jobs. I hope they all find something before they close the doors at sentry.

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Jacinda Canyon

1:19 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

Bring on Sendiks! That Sentry sucked, coupon cops, you could only use one coupon of one type per transaction.

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mau

2:14 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

I agree. I would love to see a Sendiks in the area.

Richard Head

1:23 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

There was not much traffic there in the first place. It was a bad corner to be in - and the whole area is overbuilt.

I'll have to find a new store to buy "Home Run Inn" pizza.

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mau

2:12 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

Woodman's has Home Run pizza. Also check out the Piggly Wiggly on Hwy 20 and the Pick N Save on Spring St.

Samantha Oravetz-Kumorkiewicz

1:57 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

I always shop there!! Its cheaper than Pick N Save and Pig plus I could find stuff easily. I refuse to shop at Walmart! This is what Walmart does they kill local businesses!

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SturtResident

2:44 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

SO-K, this has nothing to do with WalMart in spite of what Schliz claims. WalMart DOES NOT EXIST in that area yet, and will not open its doors for probably another year. First, there have to be doors to open.

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SkinnyDude

12:11 am on Friday, November 9, 2012

Walmart didnt kill Pick N save......they built a Bigger store closer to Wallmart. I dont see competition as a bad thing. It made Pick N save stronger as they do alot of things better than Walmart. The consumer choice is not a bad thing .

Dennis

2:07 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

Watch the Pig go next, Mt Pleasant. No need to stay in business with another store only 2 miles away. I suppose you could put Hobby Lobby in there (oh, forgot, they already moved to the city). Better change your budget for next year.

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mau

2:13 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

Same goes for Pick n Save.

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Lexi Noble

2:55 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

Hobby Lobby is moving to the city? When?

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SkinnyDude

12:07 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

Pick N save i suspect is the leading Grocery chain in Racine . It built a BIGGER store closer to Walmart off the success that they had a strong store right there before Walmart. Pick N save does quite a few things better than Walmart and the consumers that go there appear to return . Piggly Wiggly continues to transition. I know some of there locations are strong. I thing the store on Washington Ave has under performed expectations since it went there . So they might be in more trouble coming when it is already struggled Like Sentry was.

JQCitizen

2:08 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

Walmart just can't catch a break can they?

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mau

2:14 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

Walmart has big shoulders. They are used to being the scape goat.

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Lexi Noble

2:54 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

Don't quite understand how their business was failing for awhile now and yet it's Walmart's fault because they plan opening their store in 2014...WTH The few times I was in there I found the prices to be right up there with the Pig and Pick n Save. Totally agree about the coupons...Hate to see anybody lose their job in this economy, hopefully the employees can get jobs with the new Walmart...

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Sheila Seitz

5:20 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

It is sad on how walmart can have so many people fooled that they are a good investment. There is no reason to open a store so close to their other one. Their prices might be higher at these other store but at least the employees are treated decent unlike at walmart. And walmart has no value or respect for the individual or their families. And many of their practices are very unethical.

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MRA

7:07 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

And who did not see this coming, drove past the mall, LONESTAR IS CLOSED DOWN

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Lexi Noble

7:28 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

Everybody is so against another grocery store moving in on Hwy 20, because there's already a Piggly Wiggly , GFS, Pick n Save on Spring...is it any grocery store opening that everybody is against or just Walmart moving in? And if LONESTAR is now closed, is that going to be blamed on Texas Roadhouse moving in? or Red Lobster moving in? Was there any resistance to these restaurants opening up and causing the existing restaurants to fail? I guess my question is this...Is any business welcomed into the area so long as it's not Walmart?

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Joesmith

7:29 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

Thanks Scott Walker for this one ..,,the trickle effect of cutting wages of so many people that used to spend money ..,.glad Obama is at least still
In office some hope
Anyway....only the beginning...it's funny when someone who
Has a good job and then pay gets cut, stop spending and people who back
The guy that started it all scratch their head and wonder why business fails. Oh wait I'm
Sorry we have a balanced budget now I thought everything was fixed....hey why am
I still paying the same amount of state taxes ??????

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Bald Eagle

9:26 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

Joesmith=Clueless must be your last name. I can see your still "drunk" from the Big O's "victory!" If you think O has your best intrest at heart, well then we really have no hope. Hey pal, do you know what hit's 1/1/13? Didn't think so. Just another kool-aid drinker courtesy of all of us working stiffs! And to answer your last question, the only reason your State taxes are the same amount, is because of the mess your good Dem buddies like Doyle, Lehman & Mason left this State in. The truth hurts, I know. Hey, have a great night! See around sometime! :)

SkinnyDude

9:22 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

Its a nice store . Unfortunately, With food prices on the rise and incomes on the decline ......This is not a surprise. I seen a lot of BIG companies are now announcing layoffs. That is directly related to the anti business and anti capitalism stance of the Obama administration. Dont kill the messenger but we are heading back into recession and the big zero Big Idea is too Raise taxes !
http://twitchy.com/2012/11/08/layoff-bomb-detonates-large-corporations-join-small-businesses-in-announcing-mass-cuts/

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Tammy Rolfe-Fuller

9:48 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

Where exactly is this walmart going to be? Does anyone know?

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Heather Asiyanbi

9:14 am on Friday, November 9, 2012

@Tammy - Walmart will occupy the vacant space across the street from Sentry where Little Saints Day Care was located.

Maurice hunter

12:11 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

I love to shop there. great managers .Good food prices.I notice they stay Open reasonable time. going to missed that store,

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Joesmith

12:27 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

Other than the wealthy ....which is justified... where is the proof that Obama is raising taxes ???? So me a link where he said that????? Waiting????waiting????? It's walker ...again budget is balanced actually a surplus so now in Wisconsin what has gone down???? Food clothing service anything THE ANSWER IS NO NONE ZIPPO still paying the same taxes too....way to go I stand with walker people obviously the country doesn't want people like him just a few crazies in the state .... Way to go guys

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SkinnyDude

10:24 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

@ Joesmith
If your waiting for the answer you are not to bright . Obamacare includes 50 new taxes in it. Obama just stated AGAIN today his plan is too raise taxes on individuals making 200 k and above and couples at 250 k and higher. That is money that leaves the small business and goes to the government . The proof is in his own words. He stated it again today. WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?
200k to 250k is not rich for someone who is putting everything they have back into a business they want too succeed. Taxes kill growth because it poison the well of growth. You libs think business is all profit and no work . But none of you have the balls to do it . Merely complain about someone else who puts there heart in soul into something they believe in . You just believe in complaining! Give us a Break !
Obama was class warfare his entire campaign . He bullshited his base that 200k a year was a millionaire And YOU all believe that. For you to ask for proof tells me a lot about how clueless you are to ask that question. Its Amazing!

jasonhappyatpig

5:48 am on Saturday, November 10, 2012

The managers were evil. As a former employee of that Sentry, I was fired during a job interview at a different store. Yes, you heard me right.. Greg Shiltz got informed that I was looking for another job and showed up at the interview and fired me on the spot! All I was trying to do is better myself and Shiltz walked into the grocery store that I was interviewing at and asked me, "I hope you like it here cause now it's the only job you've got!" I didn't even have the job at that point. Little did he know that the person that did the interview was so disgusted by Shiltz's unprofessional behavior that they actually felt obligated to give me a job at the pig. Needless to say, I'm very happy where I am. However, I think Karma is now coming down on Sentry. Go to hell, Greg!

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Thereishope

9:19 am on Friday, November 16, 2012

It's sad that another Business is going under in Racine. I don't think the area needs another WALMART, just 2 miles away from another one, that makes no sense. Generally businesses go under due to bad management. Walmart has put many small business under with there low ball prices. Walmart has also bullied other vendors in order to carry their product. I think that Racine as a community needs to come together and make it a better place. Racine as a whole as gone down hill. Kenosha is a nicer place.

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