Future Of Gaithersburg Magruder's Unclear
"It is going away," a Magruder's manager said of the Gaithersburg grocery store.
The future of the popular Magruder's grocery store in Gaithersburg may be in doubt, according to local sources.
A manager at the Gaithersburg Magruder's, located at 602 Quince Orchard Road, said employees can tell the store will be closing.
"They (corporate) didn't come and tell us where and when is going to be the final day, but it is going away," the manager said. The manager asked not to be identified.
Rumors of the store's demise recently began circulating among Gaithersburg residents and the city's Director of Economic Development, Tom Lonergan, said he had heard the same thing.
Messages left for Magruder's corporate office and a representative from Federal Realty — which owns and manages the Gaithersburg Magruder's facility — were not immediately returned.
"[I'm] not sure if it’s a store issue or chain issue, and I’m not surprised that they are holding this info close to the vest," Lonergan told Patch in an email.
The store's Rockville location is also slated to close, according to a report by Rockville Patch. The future of Magruder's locations in Alexandria and Vienna, VA, are also up in the air, Patch reported.
The supermarket closed it's Silver Spring location over the summer.
Magruder's also has a location Chevy Chase.
Magruder’s roots go back to 1875, when John Magruder operated two neighborhood stores, one near Chevy Chase Circle and the other in Georgetown, according to Washington Business Journal.
Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified the realty group that owns and manages the Gaithersburg Magruder's.
Paula
9:53 pm on Tuesday, January 15, 2013
This makes me really sad. I love how that store has foods and wines from around the world that aren't available anywhere else near here. Plus I like the people who work there too...always very nice and helpful. Please say this isn't true!
Bruce Goldensohn
11:19 am on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
The store is as good as gone! A 50% off sale on everything (including beer & wine) started on Wednesday morning. I would expect the place to be emptied out by the weekend. A rumor has it that another grocery will come (most likely not a Safeway, and certainly not a Giant. This is all a bummer - we shop at the Gaithersburg store several times a week.
Fredda
12:03 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
I rely on the prepared items I get on a weekly basis from my Gaithersburg Magruders. There are no other groceries in the area with the competitive prices as Magruders. Plus, I've known some of the staff for years and this must be a terrible blow to them and their families. So sad.
Al Impressions
10:25 am on Friday, January 18, 2013
I am deeply sadden Magruders in Gaithersburg shut the doors for good yesterday January 17th 2013. I have been a true loyal customer for many years and I agree with Paula everyone who worked there was super helpful and very friendly. It really sucks but I guess its time to let it go. I wont be surprise to see a MEGA MART/HART or one of them international stores up running soon.
Thanks for all your super services will truly miss shopping at Magruders.
-Eaves apartment resident.
Anne Keenan
2:33 pm on Saturday, January 19, 2013
I have shopped at Gaithersburg and two Rockville locations. I was lead to believe they would come back to Rockville. I see a Dawson's Market took over that space. I have been shopping at Magruder's since the 70s. I especially enjoyed their fruits and vegetables. I hope they will reorganize and upgrade the markets to compete. God Bless.