Rosauers’ Deer Park store is expected to close

Rosauers Supermarkets Inc. will close its Deer Park store next month, President Jeff Philipps said Tuesday.

More shoppers traveling to Spokane, competition from a nearby Yoke’s Fresh Market, and the economy’s slowdown have changed the Deer Park marketplace since Rosauers bought a former Excel Foods location in 2001, he said.

“We have long considered an update to the facility to better compete,” Philipps said, “but the current site is landlocked by other businesses, and would require an investment that is not economically feasible.”

Employees may receive counseling, severance or jobs at Yoke’s or elsewhere with Rosauers, he said, adding that about 30 probably will not be rehired by either of the grocers.

Employees were informed of the company’s decision Monday.