East Peoria convenience store to close doors after 52 years

EAST PEORIA (WEEK) - A 52-year-old East Peoria business is saying farewell to its loyal customers. The Little Grocery is expected to close at the end of June.

Little Grocery owner, Missy Simpson, is saying goodbye to her daily customers in East Peoria.

“It’s been great. I’ve loved every second of it,” Simpson continued, “Everybody’s sad to see us go away. There’s not too many of us left.”

Simpson says it was a culmination of events that led to her retirement.

“The economic climate. People right now are spending everything extra on gas and groceries. There’s not a lot left for gambling and lottery,” said Simpson.

Closing her doors by June 30th, means leaving behind customers like East Peoria resident, Ronald Blanch.

“I love the people that run it,” said Blanch.

Blanch has been going to the shop for more than 20 years. He says he didn’t want to believe the news.

“I really don’t want to see them go,” said Blanch.

Although, Simpson still plans to stay in touch with the familiar faces, socially.

“I’m going to keep in contact with a lot of them,” said Simpson.

In the meantime, Simpson plans to put her remaining items on sale until the lease is up next month.

Copyright 2022 WEEK. All rights reserved.