The Chelten Market IGA in Germantown is closing, with shoppers left wondering what will move into the building.
Last week, City Councilwoman Cindy Bass posted on Facebook, writing, “We’re aware that the Chelten Market IGA will be closing soon, and we understand how important access to quality grocery options is for Germantown residents.”
She added, “Our office is actively working with the [Philadelphia Department of Commerce] to identify potential tenants who can provide essential goods and services that meet the neighborhood’s needs.”
The Local spoke to customers on Jan. …
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The Chelten Market IGA in Germantown is closing, with shoppers left wondering what will move into the building.
Last week, City Councilwoman Cindy Bass posted on Facebook, writing, “We’re aware that the Chelten Market IGA will be closing soon, and we understand how important access to quality grocery options is for Germantown residents.”
She added, “Our office is actively working with the [Philadelphia Department of Commerce] to identify potential tenants who can provide essential goods and services that meet the neighborhood’s needs.”
The Local spoke to customers on Jan. 9, asking what type of grocery store they’d like to see move in. Employees were telling customers that Jan. 9 was the last day IGA would be open.
Flo Simon, a Germantown resident, told the Local, “It’s the closest for us to shop … I would want a ShopRite or an Acme to open. I usually shop at the Fresh Grocer.”
Barbara Perteet, another shopper, is primarily hoping to find a place where she can buy seafood.
“I’ll only come [to Chelten Market IGA] for my seafood,” Perteet told the Local. “We do need a big one, something like IGA.”
Aiden Bowser, another Germantown resident, was surprised to see IGA close and hopes to see something affordable, “relative to people’s funds around here,” and well-stocked, that doesn’t skimp on quality.
“But not to where it’s too cheap, where it’s like we’re guinea pigs being experimented on, and we’re just pushed products,” Bowser told the Local. “I [shop at IGA] every now and then, probably about once every two, three months.”
Bowser said that he’s gone to stores like Giant in Montgomery County suburbs, and they tend to have much fresher ingredients compared to the same chain stores within the city. He hopes that whatever moves into the former IGA at 176 W. Chelten Ave. has the same quality as stores in the suburbs.
Under Bass’ Facebook post, people commented, suggesting options like Trader Joe’s or Aldi.
Sharae Johnson, a Germantown resident and shopper at IGA, told the Local she’d like to see a Giant move in, an idea echoed by Perteet and Bowser.
Tommy Tucker can be reached at Tommy@chestnuthilllocal.com.
