PEORIA – After more than nine years at the Metro Centre, The Balanced Bee announced it is transitioning to an online model with a local concierge service.
Founder Annie Parks established the brand in 2015, according to the company’s website. The following year, The Balanced Bee opened its first in-person location at the Metro Centre.
In a statement about the transition, Parks said she cherished the experience.
“It was an era. All things change; good things end,” Parks said. “While closing this store is the right thing to do—as The Balanced Bee is thriving and evolving in ways I always hoped for—it still breaks my heart to say goodbye to this physical spot.”
Moving forward, The Balanced Bee will operate as an online shop with a local concierge option.
A sign posted at the storefront said the concierge service will offer broths, juices and shots to loyal customers. It said those who text (309) 427-0833 by Feb. 25 will receive information on pickup location and times.
While anyone is welcome to reach out, the sign said “we will only BEE able to service an exclusive amount of customers who plan to order $50 or more per week.”
The online store currently features products including:
Shipping rates for Illinois are currently listed as $30 on orders up to $29.99, $60 on orders from $30 to $99.99 and $75 on orders between $100 and $120.
Parks said the business is also expanding to wholesale. She thanked the community for its support and added:
“I am carrying you with me into everything that comes next.”
The Balanced Bee is the latest business to say goodbye to Metro Centre.
In 2025, neighboring business The 50’s Diner closed its doors. Crafting store Joann also left the shopping center last year as the company wound down operations at all locations amid Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
Other businesses, such as The Popcorn Shoppe, Unique Gizmos and Pottstown Meat and Deli, have relocated.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: ‘All things change’: Peoria business moves to online only presence
Reporting by Cassidy Waigand, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
