Northside Food Co-op pauses grocery store construction

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) -Construction for the Northside Grocery Store has been paused.

Cierra Washington, executive director of the Co-op, sent out a press release explaining that earlier this year the organization learned about a new grocery store coming to Chestnut Street in downtown Wilmington.

“In light of this new information, we’ve decided to temporarily pause our construction and design work. This will allow our Board and grocery consultants to evaluate how this development might impact our store and ensure we’re making the best decisions for our community,” Washington stated.

Washington says the evaluation will focus on:

1. “Analyzing potential impacts on sales and customer traffic.”
2. “Understanding the changing competitive environment.”
3. “Ensuring our store plans align with Wilmington’s evolving grocery needs.”

Washington adds this isn’t a setback, but an opportunity to strengthen their plans for the grocery store.

“Our commitment to bringing a community-owned grocery store to the Northside remains strong,” Washington said.

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