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Campus grocer LaVerde’s announces closure in April

W20

January 25, 2023

All store employees have been offered jobs by LaVerde’s operator; MIT is working with a consultant to identify new Student Center tenants

The 660 Corporation, which operates LaVerde’s Market in the Stratton Student Center (W20) and other convenience stores on the Boston University Campus, announced that its MIT store will close permanently on April 17, 2023. In a statement (see below), 660 Corporation explained that the pandemic's negative impact on retail sales heavily influenced their decision.

“LaVerde’s has provided a valuable service to our campus community for more than three decades, and we are disappointed that they will be closing,” said Peter Cummings, executive director for administration in the Division of Student Life (DSL). According to 660 Corporation, “Current LaVerde’s employees have been offered equal employment opportunities with other 660 stores on the Boston University campus.”

In the meantime, there are several other food retailers near campus, including the non-profit Daily Table and HMart grocery store in Central Square, and Brother’s Marketplace in Kendall Square. Daily Table and the Cambridgeport locations of Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods are served by the MIT grocery shuttle. Students who are struggling with accessing food can find more information on the DoingWell website.

MIT has engaged the services of a retail consulting firm to identify potential tenants for the LaVerde’s space and other available spaces in the Student Center. Even before this development, however, MIT and DSL started examining food and dining trends on and around campus. “While the study was very informative, we will also create opportunities for the community to offer their input on new Student Center tenants. We expect to get an update from the consultant on their work this spring,” Cummings said.

As published in The Tech on May 26 and November 19, 2022, the Student Center is undergoing renovations this summer. The community can keep current with renovation progress and read a project FAQ on the Student Life website.

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Statement of 660 Corporation
January 23, 2023

LaVerde’s Market to Close

LaVerde’s Market, located in the Stratton Student Center (W20) and owned by 660 Corporation, will permanently close on Monday, April 17, 2023. Paul Riel, a director with the 660 Corporation, shared that the closing of the store follows years of declining sales due to the pandemic, along with the Stratton Center being closed for renovation. “We have enjoyed our relationship with the MIT community; unfortunately, between the pandemic and the temporary closure of the Stratton Student Center, we are unable to sustain our business model and made the decision to close the store on a permanent basis.”

Current LaVerde’s employees have been offered equal employment opportunities with other 660 stores on the Boston University campus. “It was important to us that our employees were provided with the ability to work in our other stores,” said Kris Klinger, president of 660 Corporation. LaVerde’s Market customers will continue to experience the same level of service and quality during the store’s final months.

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