Regional grocery icon closing all stores

Easter Sunday falls on April 20 this year. It’s a day when many stores close so employees can spend quality time with friends and family.

However, once the 24-hour period is up, most stores return to regular operating hours. Sadly, this will not be the case for a beloved local favorite.

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Since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, businesses have struggled to survive. A slowdown in the consumer market triggered by an uncertain economy has left shoppers more cautious about spending.  

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Many local retailers and even large chains have had no other option but to shut down some or all of their locations. 

Just this year, major retailers like Macy’s, Walgreens, Kohl’s, Big Lots, Party City, and Forever 21 — to name a few — have closed several locations due to underperformance or even bankruptcy. 

Thom’s Market closes all locations after 18 years of service

Founded in 2007, Thom’s Market is a favorite neighborhood grocery store in Austin, Texas. The store has three locations: 1418 Barton Springs Road, 160 E. Riverside Drive, and 5901 Burnet Road.

For 18 years, this iconic grocery shop has served thousands of customers by providing them with locally sourced goods to help boost the growth of local businesses. 

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This month, Thom’s Market announced that all three of its stores will close on April 20. They will be permanently shut down and become available for new tenants to take over the real estate.

“This decision was not an easy one,” said Thom’s Market’s Founder, Bill Thom, in the announcement. “Growing Thom’s Market has been one of the most rewarding adventures of my life, and I am beyond grateful for the friendships and memories that have made this journey so special. What started as a simple neighborhood market blossomed into a beloved local landmark, thanks to our loyal customers and dedicated staff. We couldn’t have done it without Austin’s love and support,” he added.

Thom’s Market spaces reportedly find new ownership

A new retailer has agreed to take over the spaces only days after the announcement was made. This mystery owner has also acquired the remaining inventory and will continue to stock the same locally sourced products, at least until they are sold out, as reported by a local publication, Austin American Statesman.

Although the market, its founder, and Betty, its iconic cowgirl logo, will be retiring, the staff will remain the same, for the most part, unless they’ve decided to leave. 

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This new owner has yet to be officially disclosed, and the terms of the agreements have not been made public. Nonetheless, the closures mark the beginning of a new era and the launch of potential new businesses. 

However, the new sales tax permits for all three markets are traced back to Austinite Lahzat Khanjae, who has a history of operating convenience stores in the Austin area, as reported by KXAN Austin.

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