Southern States Cooperative has announced it will permanently close its longtime Mount Airy location later this year, ending more than 90 years of service to the community.
In a letter to customers, the store said its retail operations will wind down over the coming months, with the location at 1312 South Main Street expected to officially close by December 2026.
The cooperative has been part of the Mount Airy community since 1935, first operating on Hill Street before relocating to its current South Main Street location in 1996. Over the decades, the store has served generations of farmers, pet owners, gardeners and local families.
Before closing, Southern States plans to hold one final Christmas Photos with Santa and the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots event on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The store will also continue collecting donations for the Toys for Tots program.
“We truly appreciate the loyalty, friendship, and support you have shown us over the decades and we could not have asked for a better community to serve,” the store wrote in its announcement. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives for the past 91 years. Thank you, Mount Airy!”
