The Sappington Farmers Market, 8400 Watson Rd., closed on Friday, Aug. 24. The closing is due to a decrease in sales, outdated equipment and increased competition with larger markets.
The store recently struggled financially and filed for bankruptcy in December 2011.
Sappington Farmers Market provided a platform for Missouri and Illinois famers and producers to sell their products. The store sold locally produced foods.
Sam Miller Farms produced organic Beauregard sweet potatoes — sold at Sappington Farmers Market. Sam Miller, his wife and their six children moved from a grain farm in Kansas to a 1117-acre farm in the Ozarks in 2010.
The store also sold Gringo Salsa — produced in O’Fallon, ILL. Salsa-maker and owner, George Hubbard, grew peppers and tomatoes in his garden. Then, made them into various salsas.
Sappington Farmers Market placed a note on its door in mid August announcing the closing.
The note stated:
“After years of operating as a food market specializing in locally produced food and produce, Sappington Farmers Market will close on August 24th. We have put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into making this market a success since purchasing its assets out of bankruptcy earlier this year.
Unfortunately, declining sales, outdated equipment and competition from larger markets in he neighborhood have made continue operation impossible. We gave it our best shot and thank our employees and customers who have been loyal until the end.
Our company, Impact Funders, remains dedicated to our mission of making locally produced food available to consumers in the St. Louis area. We will continue to offer these products through our Farm to Family food brands and our local distribution operation.
We are also committed to continuing to look for opportunities for other store locations in the region and trust our customers will find us in a new location in the not-too-distant future.”
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