37°
Owner Jim Magee of Peter’s Weston Market announced on Wednesday, Jan. 27 that the popular market, which had been struggling financially before the pandemic, will have to close its doors for good after a last-ditch fundraising effort failed.
Magee said that over the last five years, sales have declined 10 percent annually, though expenses have increased. The financial struggles were then compounded by the pandemic, which limited in-store sales and hurt small businesses across the country.
He said that due to all of the combined factors, “remaining in business is no longer sustainable.”
Magee made note that he and his employees explored all options to exhaustion in an attempt to stay open, even launching a GoFundMe fundraising campaign appealing directly to his customers, but it was still not enough.
“Your loyalty and support was generous and overwhelming, allowing us to keep employees employed and continue to serve the community we love, including our regular donations to the Weston Food Pantry,” Magee said when announcing the closure. “We will be forever and eternally grateful for the support of the town and surrounding communities, especially of late.”
Peter’s Weston Market will remain open through the weekend for its customers, still serving its popular “Peter’s sandwiches.”
“Please know the Town of Weston and the people who live here have meant everything to us during the nearly 50 years we have been in business,” Magee said. “We hope that you will remember us kindly and be respectful of the impossibly difficult circumstances leading to our closing.”
Click here to follow Daily Voice Bridgeport and receive free news updates.
