Contrasting recent closures, a new KC neighborhood grocery store is finding ways to thrive

Deborah Phillips walked up to the automatic sliding glass doors of the Sun Fresh in the Blue Parkway Shops on Oct. 26, only to be disappointed. The grocery store had closed for good the night before, citing “declining sales and rising operating costs.” Phillips works down the street and would often come by the store on her lunch break. She said the store shelves were sparsely stocked for months leading up to the sudden closure. “It’s a hard blow to the neighborhood,” said Phillips. “People don’t have anyplace else to go.” She said she’ll likely lean on the area’s fast-food options for her lunches now but was saddened to see the closure, particularly for those who live nearby or don’t have a car. “It’s a hard thing for a lot of people, particularly with Thanksgiving coming up,” Phillips said.

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