Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report

SHOALS – In the past year, the town of Shoals has made positive strides to revitalize its Main Street and bring new business to its downtown. It has received grants that funded improvements to Overlook Park and an expansion of the local ball park is under way. The Shoals Public Library is investing $1 million to expand the library and improve accessibility.

But the news this week that the Martin County town will lose its only grocery store was a shock. Employees were told Monday that the store will close July 31.

Audra P. Deckard, managing editor of the Shoals News, said it’s a sad day to see the town nestled along the White River lose another business.

“For the community, it’s a huge loss, as many people of all ages depend on the store for daily function. From the elderly who rely on its convenience to those without transportation who walk or bike there regularly, JayC has played an essential role in our town’s rhythm,” Deckard said. “Its closure will undoubtedly create challenges, especially for those who may not have the means to travel elsewhere for groceries and essentials. It’s also another hit to our local economy and a reminder of how important it is to support local businesses whenever we can.”

The JayC Store has been in Shoals for decades and has been the town’s only store since the locally owned Tredway’s closed around 25 years ago, said Theresa Fuhrman. 

“It’s a big loss for the town,” said Fuhrman. 

Fuhrman works at the Shoals News, just down the street from the JayC store. Not only is she a regular customer, her mother Betty, 94, is one of the employees who will be displaced. 

“She loves working there. It gives her something to do, a chance to be around people,” Fuhrman said.

The town has a Dollar General store that stocks some grocery items, but Fuhrman said the nearest grocery store is in Loogootee, about a 10-minute drive from Shoals.

Todd Baker, owner of Bo-Mac’s Drive-In in Shoals, said he visits the JayC multiple times a week for the drive-in.

“It’s a convenience having it here,” he said. “If we run low on something, it’s just a few blocks away.”

Located at 201 High St., the JayC is just a couple blocks off US 50. It’s near the Shoals Town Hall, the Post Office and county government offices.

Tina Franklin, Shoals clerk-treasurer, said with the town working hard to bring more to the community, losing something as vital as a grocery store stings.

“When we do things for town employees, that’s where I go because it’s right there,” she said. “We lost the bank, we lost the hardware store, we lost the Mexican restaurant. It’s awful and we’re trying so hard to make it better. It feels like we take three steps forward and take six steps back.” 

Franklin said the town’s food service and restaurants will be affected as well. She said businesses like Bauer Family Coffee Shop, Velma’s, Fay’s Pizza and Carla’s Catering all rely on the grocery store for their businesses.  

“As a town, I’m heartbroken because we rely on it and people are losing their jobs,” she said. 

JayC is owned by Kroger. Earlier this week, Kroger announced it would close 60 stores over the next 18 months. To date, the only Indiana stores on the list are in South Bend and Elkhart. Southern Indiana Business Report contacted Kroger for additional information and will update the story.