(This story has been updated to include new information.)
JACKSON TWP. – Fishers Foods will close its last remaining location on Oct. 14.
“Ending a 92-year chapter is one of the hardest decisions our family has ever made,” the Fisher family said in a joint statement. “Fishers began in 1933 as a single neighborhood market in Canton. Generations of families grew up with us, just as our own family grew up in the aisles.”
The Sept. 30 announcement states that the grocery business “has changed dramatically,” with rising costs, national chains, online retailers and changes in shopping habits.
“This isn’t how we imagined the story ending. But after 92 years, it’s the right decision for our family and our team,” the statement continued.
The local grocery was founded in 1933 by Joseph Fisher and continued by his sons, Herb and Jack, and then by his grandson, Jeff. Throughout nine decades, the store became known for its quality meats, bakery and deli items.
In recent years, Fishers Foods had reduced its seven-store footprint by closing stores in Perry Township, Plain Township, Canton and Massillon. The last store is at 5215 Fulton Drive NW.
The 8.4 acres at Fulton Drive and Frank Avenue NW where it sits were listed for sale in late 2024 by the Goodman Real Estate Services Group. Five of the acres were taken off the market and went under contract for a “transformative commercial redevelopment” this spring.
In June, fourth-generation operator Alex Fisher shared on Facebook that the company was “pursuing every strategy possible to reshape Fishers into a more sustainable model for the future.” Plans were to rebrand as Fishers Market with a renewed focus on essential items and specialty, local products.
“While we had hoped to cement our future in a new project, it ultimately didn’t come to fruition,” according to the family’s statement. “Our team and the countless help of others pushed and pursued every avenue to make this work. In the end, it simply isn’t sustainable.”
Customers react to Fishers Foods closing
Customer David Ash of Jackson Township was saddened by the news of the store’s closing.
“It’s certainly sad. Fishers has always been known to have high-quality foods and I loved their selection in their deli,” he said. “It’ll be sad to see that go.”
He surmised the business was impacted by ‘too many box stores around now. They just got outpriced.”
Ken Vrbic of Jackson Township said his family used to go to Fishers regularly but in more recent years would spread the shopping around to hit the best deals at area stores.
He said he always appreciated Fishers and enjoyed the quick access, even with the reduced offerings at the remaining store.
“Kinda of sad because I go back a number of years when Fishers was the big deal around here. And they’ve done a lot for the community over the years.”
“They were the first to have really nice grocery stores where you felt it was an occasion to visit.”
What’s next for the last Fishers Foods store?
Fishers Foods is working with the local union to “wind down” operations. The state retail liquor store will remain open through the last day.
A closing sale will begin on Oct. 1 with markdowns of 30% or more. Additional discounts will begin the week of Oct. 6, with sales continuing through closing, depending on inventory. No rewards points, coupons or other discounts can be applied to sale items.
A limited line of Fishers merchandise will be sold starting Oct. 8. Updates about sales and the closing will be shared on the company’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
“Fishers was always more than a grocery store. It was a meeting place, a memory maker, a community space and a friend to everyone,” the family stated. “We are profoundly grateful to Canton and Stark County. To our customers, teammates, suppliers and community partners: thank you for 92 years of trust. Fishers has always been about people. That part doesn’t end.”
Reach Kelly at 330-580-8323 or kelly.byer@cantonrep.com
Correction: Joseph Fisher’s sons are Herb and Jack. Incorrect information had been supplied to The Repository.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Fishers Foods to close final store after 92 years in grocery business
Reporting by Kelly Byer, Canton Repository / The Repository
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