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Kearney grocery store closes its doors
It's been a landmark in the city of Kearney for over 40 years. But, not much longer. One local grocery store is shutting its doors.
It's a common sight across rural Nebraska. Bob's Super Store opened their location in 1969. After decades of service Wednesday they are shutting their doors for good. Neighborhood grocery stores are dotted all across the country. But with big box chains moving in, the local mom and pop stores are closing shop. Wednesday a local Kearney store joins the list. "Bob's Super Store, yes, today is our last day," said an employee. Bob's Super Store has been a staple in Kearney for about 43 years. And a tradition for the Wilson family. "My father started it and my brother in law and different family members working here too so it's been a family business," owner Bob Wilson said. Customers are still pushing their carts through the bare aisles purchasing what's left of the goods. "I hate to see any local businesses close because pretty soon it's only going to be the big box stores and I think we all know they aren't the first ones that give back to the communities," said Linda Holloway. But it's not just shoppers that gather at the family store. "I feel sad, very sad about this last day," said Jolene Weakley. This group of friends has been meeting at Bob's for over a decade. "I've been coming to Bob's Superstore for about 15 years and I come down and have my breakfast and lunch with my friends," said Darlene Cerny. "We gather here and visit and have coffee and lunch. This is our table," Udeane Fischer said. "We used to buy groceries and visit and everything, it's all gone. Yeah, I feel that the big stores are pushing out the little stores and that's not good," said Cerny. You can see the shelves are nearly empty with just a few items left to sell. And one of the reasons they have to shut their doors is the competition with larger corporations. "There's a high dollar factor to start at a grocery store because of all the coolers and electricity and things like that. So it's hard for a small person to make it financially," said Wilson. As Bob's Super Store gets set to say good-bye, owner Bob Wilson, has one last piece of advice, free of charge. "We have lots of local businesses in Kearney. It's nice to have the big chain stores and everything and they have a good purpose and everything, but don't forget the local people because when they're gone, they're gone," said Wilson. Bob's Superstore closed their doors for the final time just minutes ago around 6:00 pm tonight. Bob Wilson says turning that key for the last time would be a sad moment. |
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