By Karen Hutchinson-Talaski

Staff writer

HERMISTON Super One Foods is closing its doors in Hermiston on May 10, citing increased competition and the loss of a major employer contributing to the closure.

“The market economy has just been tough in Hermiston,” President and CEO of Rosauers Supermarkets Jeff Phillips said. “With Simplot closing, we lost business.” Rosauers is the parent company for Super One Foods. Rosauers is owned by URM Stores of Spokane.

The company is offering a severance package for those employees who qualify, although Phillips says it is not required.

“Regretfully, our decision will impact approximately 40 employees, many of whom have been loyal to our company during our entire tenure in Hermiston,” Phillips said. “We have enjoyed serving the community of Hermiston, and taking care of our customers for the past nine years.”

The building is subleased, says Phillips. At this point, he knows of no plans for the future of the building. It was built around 1992 and was at one time a Shopping Kart before being sold to Super One Foods in July of 1999.

Rosauers is headquartered in Spokane, Wash., and operates 22 retail stores in a four-state area.

The closure will leave three grocery stores in the Hermiston Safeway, Wal-Mart SuperStore and Mercado Los Gavilanes.

Karen Hutchinson-Talaski can be reached at ktalaski@hermistonherald.com.