Kansas City’s Brookside Neighborhood Faces Uncertainty as 7-Eleven May Close
Kansas City, Missouri, is at the center of a developing story that has locals talking. The long-standing 7-Eleven store located at 319 E. 63rd Street has been a beloved part of the Brookside neighborhood for decades. However, on a recent trip to the store, community members noticed that things are looking pretty grim inside, leaving many to wonder about its future.
Empty Shelves and Quiet Aisles
Upon visiting the store on a Friday afternoon, it was hard to miss the bare shelves and the emptiness that seemed to echo throughout the aisles. There were no fresh deliveries coming in, and customers were greeted by a lack of familiar snacks, drinks, and even lottery items. The ATM was non-functional, leaving many questioning what had gone wrong at this once-bustling hub.
Corporate Decisions Hit Home
The concern for this local establishment comes amidst news from its parent company, Japan-based Seven & I Holdings, which recently announced plans to close 444 of its stores across North America. In a conference call with investors, the company cited various concerns, including declining sales, inflation, and a downturn in cigarette sales as reasons for this sweeping decision.
What Does This Mean for Brookside?
While it was confirmed that many stores would face closure, there was no specific mention of which locations would be affected. This ambiguity has left the community on edge. Some residents and officials have begun to speculate whether the Brookside 7-Eleven is destined for the chopping block. Sean Ackerson, the district manager of the Brookside Community Improvement District, expressed that he had heard rumors of a potential closure as early as this month.
A Desire for New Opportunities
Although there’s concern about the loss of a familiar local spot, Ackerson noted a silver lining. He mentioned that the Brookside CID would be eager to explore possibilities for reuse or redevelopment of the property if the store does indeed close. However, he emphasized that they currently have no confirmation about whether the building will be sold or redeveloped in the near future.
The History Behind the Store
An interesting note about the store is its past ownership. Previously, it was owned by Ted Burtin, who ran it for 25 years before handing it back to the corporate 7-Eleven in January 2024 after his retirement. Burtin expressed that he wasn’t aware of any updates regarding the store’s future after his retirement, indicating the uncertainty that seems to envelop the location.
Community Impact
If the Brookside 7-Eleven does indeed close, it marks the end of an era for many residents who have relied on it for quick bites, drinks, and everyday essentials. The convenience store has served not just as a place to pick up groceries but has also been part of the community fabric where many locals shared encounters and stories.
What’s Next?
As the company moves forward with its plans, attention remains on the Brookside neighborhood. With residents expressing their concerns and hopes for the site, the future of 7-Eleven at this location isn’t just about business decisions – it’s about what this store represents in the community. What will happen next is still a mystery, but community members are staying tuned, hoping to see either a rebirth of the store or a new venture take its place.
