Rob LaBonne of LaBonne’s Market notified customers Oct. 1 that the Southbury store will be closing. His communication with customers said the reason for the closing was “chain store competition, rent, increasing utility costs, etc.” He said the company is better off closing the store and paying rent for the remainder of its lease than it would be if it stayed open until the lease runs out.
LaBonne said in his statement, “Starting Friday, Oct. 2, we will stop bringing in new product, all items in the store will be discounted and the inventory should be sold out within a couple weeks. It will be a good opportunity for you to stock up on some great deals. The store hours going forward will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until it is closed.”
He told customers he hoped they would shop at the Woodbury or Watertown locations, where Southbury customers’ rewards cards and other accounts will continue to work.
He also encouraged customers who feel Watertown or Woodbury are too far away to use LaBonne’s To Go service. The service will be transfered to Watertown where it will offer next-day delivery. Details are about the service are at To Go.
LaBonne said the Southbury LaBonne’s donated more to the Southbury Food Bank than the two big box stores combined (Stop & Shop and a Shop-Rite).
