Kenosha---A spokesman for Pick ‘N’ Save says it’s wrong for anyone to suggest that shoplifting statistics were a factor in the decision to close the company's store in the Brass neighborhood.
In an interview at WGTD Tuesday, Jim Hyland responded to social media buzz that suggested that the store was plagued by a high incidence of theft. "Theft in any retail location is always an issue," Hyland said. "But I think its misleading for people to lead on and say that theft was the reason we closed that store," he said.
"Stores are closed because of financial performance. The theft at that store--and I've checked with our security people--is no different than many of our stores in terms of the level of it. I think it's misleading to say that's the reason we closed this store because it isn't."
In the case of poorly-performing locations, attempts are made to increase sales by employing different promotional strategies in a bid to boost sales. "Unfortunately, some stores aren't able to make those numbers," he said.
In addition to the Kenosha store, Milwaukee-based Pick 'N' Save, which was recently acquired by Kroger, is closing five other stores in the state, including three in metropolitan Milwaukee.
Pick 'N' Save leases its Kenosha location. Hyland said the company will work with the landlord to fill the space. He denied that Pick 'N' Save would try to block another grocer from moving in if one shows an interest.
The Brass Pick 'N' Save is expected to close no later than July 4th, with much of the contents of what's left on the shelves being donated to the Shalom Center.
In the meantime, plans are in the works to develop a shuttle service between the soon-to-close store and the chain's two remaining locations in Kenosha for the benefit of both shoppers and employees who live in the neighborhood but don't drive. All of the Brass store's employees will be offered jobs at the other stores.
-0-