PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Wawa is closing two Center City Philadelphia stores due to “ongoing safety and security issues and business factors,” according to a company statement.
The beloved department store chain says it is closing stores at 12th and Market streets and 19th and Market streets.
A spokeswoman said: “All employees at these two stores will be offered continued employment at Wawa. These two closings do not necessarily affect or limit the potential for future stores in Philadelphia County. We remain focused on doing everything we can to control.”
“It just keeps getting worse and worse. I don’t even understand why they keep doing this. It doesn’t make any sense,” said customer Virginia Carrington of West Philadelphia.
SEE ALSO: Philly police have released video of the suspects who robbed a Wawa store in Mayfair
Customers at the Wawa at 36th and Chestnut streets were dismayed after hearing five women were wanted for allegedly robbing and injuring a female employee early Thursday morning.
“I heard they pepper sprayed workers at Wawa. The city is out of control right now,” said Alfie Coker of South Philadelphia.
Almost the same events as last month 100 teenagers robbed at Mayfair WawaHe encouraged City Councilman Michael Driscoll’s office to contact Wawa Corporation.
“We wanted them to know we’re here, we’re there to help,” Driscoll said.
Driscoll said he now fears for the future of Wawa in Philadelphia if violent or dangerous incidents occur at the stores.
SEE ALSO: Philadelphia police are still looking for the suspects who attacked the Wawa in Mayfair
“My concern is that any business that comes across something like this could change their business model,” he said.
Wawa has adjusted and cut late-night hours at several stores and closed others entirely in recent years.
Regarding the closing of the Market Street Wawa stores, a spokesperson said, “These closures in no way diminish our continued commitment to serving the Philadelphia community or our recognition of the efforts and support we continue to receive from local police. We look forward to repurposing these two locations to further benefit Philadelphia.” we hope to do.”
“We regret not being able to be there for our friends and neighbors in these two locations, but we continue to serve the community from our other nearby stores, and our commitment to the greater region remains strong. Philadelphia is our hometown, and that’s one thing. That will never change.”
The city says it is working with business owners to understand their concerns. “The Director of the Night Economy has launched a listening tour in Philadelphia that will bring together companies large and small that operate after 5 p.m.”
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