ALCO stores set to close their doors

Rural communities are about to see their local ALCO stores close their doors by the end of January.

Discount stores are few and far between, and in rural communities such as American Falls, Preston and Soda Springs, they are even coveted.

So, closing an ALCO not only puts people in small communities out of work, but forces them to head out of town to find the products they need at a lower price.

Great Rift Business Development Organization executive director Kristen Jensen said these stores are expected to close by January 31, and will displace roughly 10 employees just in American Falls.

“I’m really said to see them go,” Jensen said. “They have been a great partner in our community, they have been involved in the chamber of commerce in American Falls, and they have employed several people over the past few years.”

But, in American Falls there is still some good news on the horizon with the incoming Magnida plant.

Jensen said it’s still too early to tell, but expects the plant could provide jobs for those who have been displaced.

According to the ALCO website, the company filed for bankruptcy under chapter 11 on October 12, and on Thursday the company filed to put itself up for sale for any interested bidders.

(You can view the documents here)

There is no word yet as to who could be moving into the empty stores once they close.

Other ALCO locations include: Soda Springs, Montpelier, American Falls, Preston, and some nearby stores are located in Pinedale and Kemmerer, Wyoming along with Tremonton, Utah.