Local store closing leaves La Quinta’s future in limbo
Locals in the La Quinta Cove community are reacting to Jule’s Market announcing it is closing its doors.
The store located at 78130 Calle Tampico in the La Quinta Cove, opened up in August 2015.
The looming closure of Jule’s Market is not the first time a major store shut down in the area. First, Fresh & Easy and then Ralph’s closed in July 2014. Locals reacted to Tuesday’s announcement.
Read: Shoppers upset about La Quinta Ralph’s closing
“That’s why Jule’s is so important to me, because I don’t have a car and I had to walk over here,” said La Quinta resident Mary Sullivan.
Jule’s Market CEO Jeremy Cullifer said he couldn’t keep the store open because he couldn’t make ends meet.
“We’ve done our very best over the past two and a half years to be a good partner in the community and to be a resource for our neighbors to get the food and household products they need, but unfortunately, we just haven’t sold enough product to keep our doors open.”
Read Jule’s Market CEO’s statement
Cullifer said the cost of products and utilities along with the large square footage are part of the problem.
Joshua Bonner, president of the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, said people should not read too much into the recent closures. “The challenge with a lot of retail space is that it’s privately owned,” Bonner said.
Overall, he said things are looking good in La Quinta: “The positive news is that La Quinta businesses in all are doing quite well.”
Some residents are hopeful Jule’s Market can be replaced by a new business.
“I think what the Cove is trying to tell people in this area is that we need something that would fit their economic needs. and the 99 Cents store is always busy. I wish a 99 Cents Store would go in here,” said Sullivan.
There are 19 employees that are getting laid off. Cullifer said he thinks Jule’s Market will officially close its doors on Jan. 30.
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