by John Klyce and Jaylon Wallace
On January 3, Kroger announced through a press release that it would be shutting down its stores on Lamar and South Third Street, both of which are in impoverished areas. The following details the aftermath of the closings, and its effect on the surrounding communities.
Part One: Detrimental
The only vegetables left are the onions.
The beverage section has been scoured down to Monster, Diet Snapple and Organic Gatorade, and aisle after aisle rests empty. On one rack Gamesa Maria cookies slide out of an open bag, and several rows down a shelf out of place reveals dirt and wrappers on the floor.
At first, the scene seems almost post-apocalyptic. But people are present.
It’s Feb. 2, a day before the stores are set to close for good, and customers at the Lamar location are making one last trip.
John Klyce 