Earth Fare to close all stores, including 6 in S.C.

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Citing challenges in the retail industry, natural and organic grocery store Earth Fare is closing all 50 of its locations, including six in South Carolina.

Earth Fare, based in Asheville, N.C., has two locations in the Lowcountry, one in Columbia, one in Greenville, and two in the Rock Hill area.

The company said in a news release that the decision to begin closing stores “was not entered into lightly.” Earth Fare said it implemented strategies aimed at growth and expansion over the past few years, but industry challenges impeded the company’s progress and its ability to refinance debt.

The grocer plans to begin liquidation sales at all of its locations while it looks for a buyer for its stores. Store fixtures will also be available for purchase.

Earth Fare employs approximately 3,000 people companywide. A spokeswoman for the company said the liquidation sales begin today and likely will run through the end of the month.