Neighbors worried about grocery store's closure just 5 years after it opened

PITTSBURGH — A grocery store that served a critical need in the City of Pittsburgh is shutting down, leaving residents of the neighborhood in the middle of a food dessert.

It's only been five years since the Shop 'N Save in the Hill District opened, but financial problems are now forcing it to close.

“It’s going to put people out of the way, and they will have to find another Shop ‘n Save, and where that is, I don’t know," Julien Simpson said.

Channel 11 will continue to follow this developing story. Download the WPXI News App for the latest updates.

Now, people who live in the area will have to cross over the Mon River to the South Side to visit the closest grocery store.

In addition, the Dollar Bank branch inside the grocery story will also close. This puts yet another burden on people who live nearby.

"They’re saying, 'Oh, we’re going to transfer you downtown.' There’s no parking downtown. I can’t pay to go drop my money," Simpson said.

Channel 11 spoke to Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto about the closing. He said it's just not generating enough money.

The Hill House, which owns the property where Shop 'N Save sits, is facing its own financial trouble.

“We have been in discussions with another operator about taking over that space. We are going to work and maintain to keep a grocery store in the Hill District," Peduto said.

Hill House Association Board of Directors released a statement about the closure.

"The Hill House was recently notified by Shop 'n Save that it intends to close its store in the Hill District on March 20, 2019.  We realize this may cause a shopping disruption for residents who shop at this store.  A grocery store is an asset to any community.  Therefore, the Hill House has been working with public officials and community members for more than a year in an attempt to try and solve the challenges with the retail outlets in Centre Heldman Plaza.  We continue to have active discussions with public officials with the ultimate goal of ensuring that the Hill District community continues to have access to a grocery store.  Our hope is for a new operator to be identified."

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