Magruder's Closing All Locations

Magruder's is closing all four of its supermarkets, including Montgomery County's Gaithersburg and Rockville locations.

Large signs promoting a 50 percent off sale lined the store's windows Wednesday morning. Shelves normally lined with goods were half empty, as people made a run on discounted items—particularly non-perishable things like paper towels. 

"We are currently in negotiations to sell the remaining four locations to a group who wishes to purchase the individual stores and reopen them as quickly as possible and we are working diligently with all parties involved," Magruder's Vice President Gary Bortnick wrote in a letter.

The letter, made available at the customer service desk of Magruder's locations (also including Alexandria and Vienna, VA), also said the Connecticut Avenue Magruder's liquor store in Washington has been sold and will continue to operate under the Magruder's name. 

The letter thanked the store's employees, unions, vendors and customers. "Although this is a difficult decision ... now is the right time for our family to move on."

Gaithersburg Director of Economic Development Tom Lonergan said the loss of Magruder's would be a difficult one for the community.

"Naturally it’s regrettable when a company like Magruder’s, which has been a part of the city’s economy and landscape for so long, closes its doors," Lonergan told Patch in an email. "Losing them obviously means the loss of jobs and the loss of a great place for our residents and workers to pick up some essentials."

Magruder's closed its Silver Spring location this summer.

Related Content:

• Future Of Gaithersburg Magruder's Unclear (Jan. 15, 2013)