BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Three VALU Home Centers will soon close their doors as the family-owned Buffalo-based retailer faces increasing challenges in a competitive retail marketplace.
VALU stores in North Buffalo, Lockport and Orchard Park will begin liquidation sales Thursday.
The company said the difficult decision results from rising inflation, operational and labor costs, and increased competition from online and brick-and-mortar retailers.
Scott Ortman, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, expressed that the decision was not made lightly.
“This is disheartening… it was a decision that wasn’t taken lightly,” Ortman stated shortly after the closures were announced.
Ortman emphasized that the retail environment has become increasingly challenging. Customers can now find virtually all of VALU’s products online.
“Unfortunately, the product mix we carry… there’s nothing you can’t buy online anymore. It’s sad,” Ortman added.
This is the second time VALU has recently shuttered a store; in 2022, stores in …