Grocery store jobs morph as Wautoma store prepares to close

WAUTOMA, Wis (WISS) – Employees at the StoneRidge Piggly Wiggly in Wautoma will be in a state of flux as the store closes its doors.

The WARN notice filed with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development said the business will close in September. 56 workers will start new jobs.

StoneRidge will expand its wholesale division and will need the grocery space for the expansion. The jobs of the 56 employees affected by the closure will morph to warehouse positions or jobs at other grocery store locations.

“We can add that all affected employees at the grocery store will be offered employment positions with the Wholesale division in Wautoma, with potential other employment opportunities at our other grocery stores located in other communities,” the letter to WARN read. “While we recognize this may eliminate our need to provide notice of the change under the law, we believe providing notice is appropriate.”

In a Facebook post, the store laid out its plans for expansion and the future of the business. But added that it made a commitment to the Wautoma area and will continue its new wholesale division in its current grocery store location.

“We made a deliberate decision to expand right here, rather than build elsewhere, because we believe in the future of Wautoma and Waushara County,” said owners Duane and Parker Detjens.

The Detjens started StoneRidge Piggly Wiggly in 1996. The company also owns Piggly Wiggly stores in De Pere, Kaukauna, Little Chute, and Winneconne.