DAVENPORT, Iowa — Davenport is losing the Hy-Vee location on Rockingham Road at the end of next month — the last day of operation is Sunday, June 23.
Second Service Manager Ally Hedgepeth grew up in the West End neighborhood, where the store is located. She's used to serving regular customers there, but that will change in the coming months.
"It absolutely breaks my heart for customers who have trouble getting to and from grocery stores," Hedgepeth said.
It's the only grocery store in the neighborhood, but in a statement, the company said the location wasn't meeting "financial expectations. Employees like Hedgepeth will be offered jobs at other locations with the same pay and benefits.
Hedgepeth isn't only a service manager — she's also on the PTA at her son's elementary school, just two blocks from the store.
"Being a mom, that's you know, dealing with the school, helping out the school and all the kids," Hedgepeth said. "I see the kids down here every day, so they all love seeing me here, and they're all sad at the schools hearing that I'm not gonna be here anymore."
For Hedgepeth, relocation means spending more on gas, changing her hours and potentially leaving the neighborhood.
Some customers we spoke to are worried about their food options in the West End. The nearest store is a Dollar General Market with limited fresh options.
Those without a car have to walk 50 minutes to the next-closest Hy-Vee on Locust Street. It takes about the same to go on the bus, but that also requires a 15-minute walk.
"We got a lot of people that come down here on scooters, wheelchairs, walkers," Hedgepeth said. "Lot of people just take the bus, but now they're going to have to do transfers."
Hedgepeth said Hy-Vee has been a great company to work for, and she's grateful for the help she's received from district managers. But she's still worried about what's next.
"I just wish we could stay open, I really do," Hedgepeth said.
After the store closes, customers can still shop online. Those who use the pharmacy will have their prescriptions automatically transferred to another location.
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