Erickson's Thriftway to close September 27

After a century in business, Erickson’s Thriftway in Madras announced it will close Sept. 27, 2024.

The locally owned and run grocery store cited rising utility costs, competition, the increasing cost of goods, shoplifting and the rise in minimum wage were all part of the myriad of reasons for the store’s closure.

“It is with a heavy heart that Erickson’s Thriftway Madras is closing,” said Kevin Eidemiller, co-manager of the store who has worked there for over 40 years. “It’s has been a privilege to work with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Bright Wood, KEITHS, Jefferson County and its affiliates, veterans, senior center, the chamber of commerce, all the schools, food banks and so many others.”

The store officially announced it would be closing on Saturday, Aug. 24, with a message written on the chalkboard at the entrance. It reads "We are closing, last day September 27’" — a whiteboard above it reads "We love our costumers."

“We’re focused on supporting our employees right now, and figuring it out from there,” said Eidemiller. “We’ve had so much community outreach, it’s hard to think about the hole it will leave, the people that are supported by the store.”

The store employs 42 people currently. Eidemiller says the cost of running the store have just become too high. Utility costs are a big part of the cost, they increased to over $10,000 a month in July. “We can’t compete with the corporate stores, because they’re not providing local goods, they’re not buying local, and they control the market.”

The store has supported many community events and fundraisers in the past, Eidemiller recalled a memory of the store holding a fundraiser in the parking lot for his wife when she had cancer. They’ve supported many fundraisers like the 4-H Café at the fair, and many community members in need of support due to illness or misfortune.

The store, owned currently by Rob Bryant, was originally opened in 1915, though it has moved locations in town. Eidemiller began working at the store as a high school student n 1982 as a bagger, and with a brief break during college, has worked at the store ever since, eventually becoming manager.

“We will miss our valued customers as a small community we have cared for and loved very much,” said Eidemiller.