Downtown St. Paul Lunds & Byerlys to close, citing staffing and financial challenges
After just over a decade in business, the downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, Lunds & Byerlys will close its doors by the end of the month.
The Twin Cities-based grocery chain announced Friday it intends to shutter the location at 115 East 10th St. on March 26, citing staffing and financial challenges.
In a statement, it said operating costs are outpacing sales, spurred in part by declining store visits due to more workers going remote and an increase in store security.
Additionally, Lunds & Byerlys said it was struggling to retain team members at the downtown St. Paul location, adding a contributing factor was the harassment employees faced.
In 2022, a fire was intentionally set at the store, causing extensive damage.
In a statement, Joe Spencer, St. Paul Downtown Alliance President said, "This closure is a significant loss for downtown. Easy access to groceries and everyday items is essential to our residents, workers and guests - and to a thriving downtown. It should signal to both our business and civic leaders the value and vital importance of having a strong presence of both public and private sectors coming to work in the heart of our city. Downtown Saint Paul is at a pivotal moment in its redevelopment, and the Downtown Alliance is continuously working alongside our public and private partners to intensify efforts to revitalize downtown."
Tres Lund, president and CEO of Lunds & Byerlys, said he remains optimistic that the vitality of downtown St. Paul will return.
Lunds & Byerlys says it is is partnering with the city and the building's landlord with the goal of keeping the space optimal for a future grocery store.
