Gassaway Kroger permanently closed

BRAXTON COUNTY, W.Va. (WOWK) – It’s the end of an era for a West Virginia grocery store that was once saved from the brink of closure.

The Gassaway Kroger shut its doors for good Friday evening at 5 p.m., store officials told 12 News affiliate WOWK 13 News.

Despite efforts to save the grocery store, it was one of the 60 stores across the country that the company announced were on the chopping block for closure. In mid-July, community members and employees rallied together to make their voices heard, saying the closure would be difficult for the community.

The Gassaway Kroger is one of only two major grocery stores in Braxton County. Employees said that they even get business from surrounding counties, like Clay County. Without a nearby grocery store, many of their regular customers are struggling to find a new place to buy their basic necessities.

This is the second time in recent years the store has been threatened with closure.

Former West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin worked with Kroger executives to stop the Gassaway Kroger from closing in 2022. Last month, Manchin said he’s thankful that this time Kroger is offering to protect their jobs by allowing Gassaway employees to transfer to other stores.

However, some employees told 13 News that not everyone can afford to take that offer.