Mitchell A. Skurzewski
Reporter
Just shy of their fifth anniversary of owning and operating Lee’s Piggly Wiggly, Bill and Debbie Schultz announced via social media last week, that the store will be closing later this month. The Schultz’s took ownership of the store from former owners Steve and Phil Drew in November of 2014.
According to a Facebook post on the Piggly Wiggly page, the store will be closing its Merrill location on June 22. The post was signed at the bottom by the Schultz’s.
Aging equipment, lease arrangements and diminishing sales were among the reasons given for the closure. The rest of the post stated: ”Deb and I and all the employees’ thank you for all your past support and wish the best for the community of Merrill. I do want to ask for your support of the local businesses here in our city. The only way Merrill businesses are going to be a successful is by the “full” support of the community. Local businesses support most of the non-profits and they would be greatly hurt if the local businesses go away. Thanks again and God’s Blessing to you all.”As of Monday, June 3, the Merrill Piggly Wiggly began their Going Out of Business Sale, including various discounts on groceries and merchandise. New store hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.