BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Three VALU Home Centers will soon close their doors as the family-owned Buffalo-based retailer faces increasing challenges in a competitive retail marketplace.
VALU stores in North Buffalo, Lockport and Orchard Park will begin liquidation sales on Thursday.
The company said the difficult decision results from rising inflation, operational and labor costs, and increased competition from online and brick-and-mortar retailers.
Scott Ortman, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, expressed that the decision was not made lightly.
"This is disheartening...it was a decision that wasn't taken lightly," Ortman stated shortly after the closures were announced.
Ortman emphasized that the retail environment has become increasingly challenging as customers can now find virtually all of VALU's products online.
"Unfortunately, the product mix we carry...there's nothing you can't buy online anymore. It's sad," Ortman added.
This is the second time VALU has shuttered stores recently; in 2022, stores in Batavia, Fredonia, and Lakewood were closed due to underperformance.
Jim Fink, a business and real estate reporter for WBFO, commented on the development, stating that a balance of walk-in and online shopping is essential in today's market.
"That personal touch, that local touch, matters," Fink said. "Unfortunately, the closing of these three stores is a sign of the times."
Despite the closures, Fink assured that nearby locations could absorb the customer bases from the affected stores.
"Those stores, those customer bases can be absorbed in other locations fairly close to it," he said, referencing a nearby VALU store on Transit Road.
On a positive note for employees, Ortman confirmed that workers from the closing locations had been offered a placement at other VALU stores in the region.
"We offer them placement at local stores, so I'm proud to say that most of them will continue to stay with us at a sister store," he stated.
Liquidation sales at the affected VALU stores will begin on Thursday.
