Magruder's Closing All Locations

Update - 1:11 p.m. Wednesday

In response to repeated requests for comments, Magruder's management sent Patch a copy of the letter that was available at the customer service desk in Alexandria. That letter is attached as a PDF in the media box to the right. 

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Original Post

Magruder's is closing all four of its supermarket locations, including the one here in Alexandria.

Large signs promoting a 50 percent off sale lined the store's windows Wednesday morning. Shelves normally lined with goods were half empty, as people made a run on discounted items—particularly non-perishable things like paper towels. 

Multiple calls to Magruder's corporate office by Patch still have not been returned. 

However, a letter provided at the customer service desk in Alexandria said, "We are currently in negotiations to sell the remaining four locations to a group who wishes to purchase the individual stores and reopen them as quickly as possible and we are working diligently with all parties involved."

The letter also said the Connecticut Avenue Magruder's liquor store in Washington has been sold and will continue to operate under the Magruder's name. 

The letter thanked the store's employees, unions, vendors and customers. "Although this is a difficult decision ... now is the right time for our family to move on."

Magruder's closed its Silver Spring location this summer.

This could be the second grocery store in the area to close, though the other closure is definitely temporary: The Safeway at King Street and Quaker Lane is closing sometime in the next few months for extensive renovations.

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