Fresh Market Closes Naperville Store Less Than a Year After Opening

The Fresh Market is closing its Naperville location at 204 S. Route 59, less than a year after it opened. The North Carolina-based grocery chain confirmed the closure, stating that the decision was made after a thorough evaluation of its store portfolio. “As a growing company, we regularly evaluate our store portfolio to ensure alignment with our strategic goals,” said a representative from the company.

The Naperville store, located in the Westridge Court shopping center, opened in early 2023 after nearly two years of development. It took the place of a Dick’s Sporting Goods Warehouse, which relocated to the Aurora side of Westridge Court. According to company spokesman Sam Wroblewski, the decision to close the store reflects the need to allocate resources effectively, adding, “This wasn’t what maybe we expected.”

The exact closing date remains uncertain and will depend on how quickly the store can sell its remaining inventory. Currently, a 25% discount is being offered on all merchandise, excluding alcohol and gift cards. While the Naperville store is closing, The Fresh Market plans to open four new locations in the U.S. within the next year, including a store in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood at 1233 N. Wells St..

Wroblewski emphasized the company’s commitment to growth in the Chicago area, stating, “Chicago’s a really big growth area for us. It’s one that we’re very confident in.” Earlier this year, The Fresh Market opened two additional stores in Illinois, one in Northbrook and another in Algonquin. The chain also operates stores in Crystal Lake, Geneva, Wilmette, Lake Forest, and Lincoln Park in Chicago.

Customer reactions to the closure vary. Jacob Holmblad, a former Naperville resident, expressed concerns over high prices at the store. “I didn’t think the store would be there too long anyway,” he said, noting the abundance of grocery options in the area. Conversely, Deborah Sievers, an Aurora resident, lamented the closure, stating that the Naperville location provided convenient access to specialty grocery items. “It was just very sad to see that it’s closing,” she remarked.

The Fresh Market, founded in 1982 in Greensboro, North Carolina, markets itself as a destination for premium grocery items, including fresh produce and prepared foods. The company’s closure in Naperville, along with another in Framingham, Massachusetts, has drawn disappointment from local stakeholders. Rich Dippolito, vice president of redevelopment for Brixmor Property Group, which manages Westridge Court, expressed regret over the decision. “They’re a wonderful store. They’re a wonderful tenant,” he noted.

Brixmor is actively seeking new tenants to fill the space left by The Fresh Market. Dippolito confirmed that the property group is reaching out to other grocery stores and potential tenants to find a suitable replacement. “We hope to build off the momentum that we’ve built with Block 59, and we’re confident we’ll find somebody soon,” he added.

In addition to the search for a new occupant, the nearby Block 59 dining and entertainment complex is planning to introduce an ice rink in November, along with three new restaurants: Velvet Taco, Crisp & Green, and Yard House. This development aims to enhance the shopping experience in the area and attract more visitors.