New owners close IGA Worland store

WORLAND - Reese & Ray's IGA in Worland will not be re-opening, according to officials from new owners, Eaglecav LLC out of South Dakota.

Rodney Messmer of Eaglecav said on Monday that the grocery store, which officially closed Saturday night, will not be re-opening but the liquor store remains open at this time.

Eaglecav has, or is in the process of, purchasing four Reese & Ray's IGA stores in Worland, Thermopolis, Buffalo and Hardin, Montana. He said the Worland store is the only one of the newly purchased stores that they are closing.

Employees, who have posted on Facebook and contacted the Northern Wyoming News, were notified following the closing that they were being terminated.

As for the future of the building or the property at 221 N. 10th, Messmer said he was not at liberty to make any comments. Calls to the owners were not returned by press time.

Regarding the liquor store Eaglecav is working on transferring the liquor license from Wild West Markets. A public hearing was held during the council meeting Tuesday night with the council approving the transfer. There was no representative from Eaglecav at the council meeting.

HISTORY

The Reese & Ray's IGA began in the 1950s as Jon's IGA, where Carquest is currently located, according to John Maxwell Jr. The store began under ownership of his father John Maxwell Sr., his brother Gordon and himself. They moved the store to 10th Street in 1976. They sold the store in 2000 and it has been through at least four owners over the past 19 years

REACTION

Worland Mayor Jim Gill said, "This is a problem all of rural America is going through. We are also a mobile community. We have to keep the faith, we have a wonderful community and have a lot to offer," including, scenic views, neighboring mountains, abundant water source and agriculture.

He said, "It is frustrating. As a mayor I am in a tough place I can't turn things around overnight."

Washakie Development Association Executive Director LeAnn Baker said, "None of us like to see a store close or jobs lost. Small communities are experiencing that too often these days. Competition from many levels is tough. Sales of private businesses are often just that, private. At this time I don't have any first-hand information concerning the future of the store although I have reached out to the new owners. We can hope it is just a transitional phase and that the store may reopen yet I can't confirm that.

"On the bright side Washakie County has multiple outlets for most of the items that were sold at IGA yet we all are reminded of the importance of shopping with the local businesses to make sure they have a bright future and will continue to serve us."

Brandon Yule of Worland Blair's said, "While it is very unfortunate that our local IGA has closed its doors, we are putting our best foot forward for the community of Worland. Our intentions are to continue to provide excellent customer service while offering a large selection of frozen, dairy and grocery items as well as quality fresh produce, meat, bakery and deli options. We take great pride in a guest choosing to shop with us and we strive to make the shopping experience something they will smile about. We are committed to providing our guests the best pricing and competitive advertising that they would typically find in a metro area. As a locally owned and operated business, we are proud to be involved and give back to our community."