Vons admits store is closing

DOWNEY - After years of speculation regarding the sustainability of Downey's Vons Market near the corner of Florence Avenue and Paramount Boulevard, corporate representatives are now confirming that the nearly 50-year-old store will close its doors on Oct. 30.According to a statement released this week by Vons spokesman Carlos Illingworth, the closure comes as a result of the location's failure to meet corporate performance standards. "We have performance standards established for all our stores, and as it relates specifically to our Downey Vons, this is a location that simply did not meet expectations," said Illingworth, Vons' manager for public affairs and government relations. "We have notified all involved, including our landlord and employees that we intend to cease operations on October 30." Illingworth said immediately following the closure all employees will be transferred to nearby Vons locations. For weeks, city officials and community leaders have reported that the aging grocery store, which is located at 10001 Paramount Blvd., would close down and be replaced with a Mexican market; however, these reports were denied earlier this month by a Vons store manager. According to Illingworth's statement, all items, with the exception of tobacco, liquid milk, lottery tickets, postage stamps, and customer service merchandise, will be discounted by 50 percent starting on Oct. 27. - Christian Brown, staff writer

********** Published: October 21, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 27