SAUGUS — The Big Y World Class Market, located in the Saugus Plaza Shopping Center on Route 1, is set to close March 20.
The Saugus location opened in September 2016 after the Big Y franchise acquired Hannafords Supermarket. The announcement follows a series of closures in that plaza over the last two years, including Modell’s Sporting Goods, Rite Aid, and Bed Bath & Beyond.
The announcement was first made via Facebook on the “Boston’s Wicked North Shore” page.
Amanda Wildes, administrative assistant to the vice president of retail operations and customer service at Big Y, confirmed the closure and said that the landlord has decided not to continue the current lease.
“The landlord has plans to revitalize the entire shopping center,” she said.
Wildes said that they have found another location in Saugus but will not yet release it to the public.
Joshua Fisher, a three-year employee, said that employees were informed of the closure last week and that he “loves working here.”
Fisher said that “the Peabody location is hiring, but only for full-time positions right now.” Wildes confirmed that all current full-time employees will be offered jobs at other locations.
All employees are being offered assistance with their résumés, as well as referrals and recommendations for their job search.
Big Y is one of the largest independently-owned supermarket chains in New England, with more than 11,000 employees. It was founded in 1936 by brothers Paul and Gerald D’Amour and has now expanded to more than 80 stores throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Long-time customer Amber David said that she goes to Big Y for a quick shop.
“If I need to grab dinner or a piece of meat for the night I’ll come here. I know I can get quality meats here and they’ve always been super good with fish,” David said.
Big Y carries a large variety of organic and locally sourced produce from farms throughout the Connecticut River Valley.
David identified Big Y as a “step between Market Basket and Whole Foods,” and said she is willing to try a new grocery store if it has the same caliber as Big Y. David, like other customers, comes to Big Y because it is never too busy, unlike Market Basket, which she said had a line around the corner the last time she went.
“I go to Big Y for a quiet, peaceful shop,” she said. “It’s comfortable and easy and they’re always cleaning it.”
Another customer, Kim, who declined to give her last name, said she has been shopping at Big Y for years.
“It is one of my favorites because it is convenient,” she said. “I live right off the highway.”
With the COVID-19 pandemic, customers said they haven’t noticed a change in business and feel that the quality of food and customer service is as good as ever.
Allysha Dunnigan can be reached at [email protected]
