Fresh & Easy parent organization will close stores;Lemoore's store confirms closure

Experts and company spokespersons cited by The Los Angeles Times are blaming the lack of cash and inability to obtain financing leading to the retailer’s downfall.

The Lemoore Fresh and Easy confirmed its closure by announcing sales reductions and posting closure notices at its store on Cinnamon Drive. The company that currently owns the chain is seeking buyers for the stores, but nothing has been determined as of now. The chain also sent out closure notices to regular shoppers who use the store via email.

It was about eight years ago that Fresh & Easy, formerly a British supermarket chain, opened hundreds of stores in the United States hoping its local stores featuring organic foods and quick checkout service would appeal to Americans.

Billionaire supermarket owner Ron Burkle bought the fledgling chain two years ago and said this week that Fresh & Easy would liquidate all stores in the coming weeks. Some will be closed, other will be sold.

Burkle’s Yucaipa Cos., an investment firm, bought most of the Fresh & Easy locations after the organization sought protection from creditors in 2013. Burkle’s purchase included 167 stores. The others were closed.

Today, Fresh & Easy is down to 100 stores, including those two in the Central Valley. Lemoore’s store always seemed to do well say users of the store