Shelton’s Farm Market closing in 2025 after 77 years in business

NILES, MI (WSBT) — After 77 years of serving the Michiana community, a locally owned Niles grocery story is set to close its doors in 2025.Shelton’s Farm Market made the announcement Tuesday afternoon on social media.

“The first thing that I thought of was that it sucks…like honestly,” saidJacklyn Yeager, lives nearby.

A shared feeling among many as they finished their shopping at Shelton’s Farm Market and learned of its future closure.

The long-standing family-owned grocery store has served the community for more than 7 decades on South 11th Street, soon to be just a memory.

The owner shares Aldi Foods approached them recently about replacing the current building with a brand-new facility, promising to deliver great food at great prices with new employment opportunities.

“My mom used to come here so we would come here for almost everything. It was kind of like our Saturday morning shopping trip and now that I live in Niles , it’s my every day shopping trip like literally, it’s my local grocery store,’ saidDominique Martin, lives nearby.

Martin, a long-time loyal customer, says she loves how personalized the local market is, getting to know the Shelton’s over time.

Also noting her gratitude for workers walking groceries out to cars, a small gesture she says Aldi just cant offer.

“I can’t say that they don’t get their produce and things locally but you know at Shelton that’s exactly what you’re getting and I know that the meat at Shelton is high-quality. Our next option is like 15-20 minutes away,“ said Martin.

Market owners say they are optimistic about the possibility of continuing their legacy and finding a new location but for now, what’s next for Shelton’s is up in the air.

Meanwhile, customers say, there’s just no comparison to the long-standing market.

“I mean you go to Walmart and buy what we just bought for what, 70 bucks? You would be paying $120-130 easily,” saidNathan Buskirk, lives nearby.

Buskirk says he has been coming to the market for over 30 years. He and Jacklyn Yeager say Shelton’s is hard to beat.

“There’s no comparison. I’ve been to plenty of Aldi’s and it wouldn’t never cross my mind to compare them to Shelton’s. It’s just gonna suck having to go drive somewhere else and find a better meat market that we like,” said Buskirk.

Shelton Farm Market owners say during their remaining time open they will continue to serve the community the freshest deals. Their final day has yet to be announced.