Downtown Cleveland’s continued struggles with retail and residential growth will take another blow this summer as Heinen’s announced it will close its downtown Cleveland location Friday, July 31.
The stunning grocery store — the only one in the city center — opened in 2015 in the former Cleveland Trust Building.
“We are proud to have been part of the downtown Cleveland community and grateful for the customers who chose to shop with us,” the company said in a statement. “The support and loyalty we received, along with the dedication of our associates, made this store truly special. While we wish the outcome had been different, we will always appreciate the relationships and memories created there.”
Heinen’s had already scaled back operations there in recent years, vacating the second floor rotunda in late 2024 to “reduce operating costs.”
It’s a seismic blow to those living and working downtown amid Mayor Justin Bibb’s 90-day action plan to activate and stabilize the area with a focus on retail, restaurants, and pedestrians.
“This was a difficult decision, and we appreciate the efforts of our associates and the support of our customers to make this store successful,” said Jeff Heinen in a statement. “We wish it would have been a more favorable outcome. Despite ongoing adjustments, the store did not reach the level of long-term sustainability needed to continue operating.”
Messages seeking further comment were not returned.
