[Jackson]Historic Highland Park Grocery to close - along with Simpson Shopping Center

[Rural King]

The oldest shopping center in Jackson (Hicksville neighborhood, near Lambuth University) has been bought out by a developer, Campbell Street Development LLC, who it is specualated plans to clear the property for redevelopment. Many individuals have lamented the loss of what is seen as a neighborhood institution for nearly 60 years. Highland Park Grocery sits on a corner lot of the Shopping Center, with the rest of the center housing a Thai Resturant and several other businesses.

Highland Park Grocery & Bakery was a local institution known for its daily fresh cut meats, fresh baked goods, and specialty items, but competition from larger chain stores and the growth of the city north had started take its toll on the store's business and prompted the owner to decide selling was the the best option. However, as of this time the buyer of this property has not been disclosed, although it is speculated that it is Campbell Street Development as well.

Campbell Street Development's plans for the property are unknown at this time.

Read more about the story from this Jackson Sun Article:

Landmark store set to close

Another story following the rather confusing sales and ownership questions in regards to who is sold and is buying the property can be found here in this Jackson Sun Article:

Highland Park grocer won't disclose buyer

So what could it be? Well we'll just have to wait and find out.

[tombarnes]

Sad to see another victim of the mores of modern merchandising. Was this simply a situation where the owners of the property decided to sell for the land value alone? I wonder if this might have been an indirect (or direct?) victim of the big boxes? In any event, it bothers me to see this happen, though this scene is being repeated in countless towns and cities everywhere.

[Rural King]

^ To a degree yes it was a slow victim of the development of brand loyalty to big box stores like Kroger, other larger grocers, and Wal-Mart by the city's cosumers. This was probably magnified by the city's growth north away from Jackson's older neighborhoods which made it increasingly inconvienant for many citizens new and old alike. I think the owners would have kept operating had it been a viable long term option.

It was by modern standards pretty small store (about the size of some large modern gas stations) so considering it survived against several Krogers, a couple of independents, and two Wal-Marts for over the last 20 years of so in actually pretty impressive IMO.