news, latest-news

The Kingston IGA shut seemingly overnight this week with locals reporting staff carrying goods and shelving from the store. The Independent Grocers Association confirmed the Kingston franchise was no longer affiliated with the IGA and Google now lists the store as 'permanently closed'. The IGA logo had been removed from the store in recent weeks. The store had been noticeably low on stock, with staple items frequently missing from the shelves. Many resident have taken to social media in recent weeks to complain about the low stock levels, with almost entire section of aisles completely empty. On Tuesday, Kingston local Johnny West said people could be seen wrapping up stock as they turned back customers from the shop. "Heaps of men swooped on the place," Mr West said. It was believed grocery franchise Supabarn had purchased the store but Supabarn confirmed in a statement they had not. Fellow retailer The Friendly Grocer has also confirmed they had not purchased the store. Attempts have been made by the Canberra Times to contact the owners. Canberra Business Chamber chief executive Robyn Hendry it was unfortunate a local business had closed. "In particular a business that has not only been there for a long time but is also servicing that local community with essential services," Ms Hendry said. "When there's something like a supermarket which generates a lot of foot traffic in the area there is a flow on effect for other businesses." Ms Hendry said the good news was locals could expect the Supabarn to open in 2019. A spokesperson for the Kingston Traders Group confirmed they weren't aware of the circumstances surrounding the closure. The owner of the nearby Kingston newsagency said the IGA has been closed since Monday, but was unsure as to the reason behind the closure. A spokeswoman for the neighbouring BWS store said the supermarket has been out of stock for weeks. "Shelves have been empty for some time, they didn't have anything in stock," she said. Kingston and Barton Residents Group president Rebecca Scouller said the group had been seeking information from the IGA about its situation for several weeks. "It was sad to see it closed, as it served an important function in the Kingston Group Centre. We hear it is reopening soon," she said. "The Kingston Group Centre is one of Canberra's oldest shopping centres, and we look forward to its continuing strong and vibrant future."

https://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/abc52a93-c52e-4bfb-a33f-9c28ddbf8752/r0_97_2000_1227_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg