Wegmans Closes All 14 Chase-Pitkin Home & Garden Centers

Wegmans announced the closure of all 14 Chase-Pitkin Home and Garden stores—including 10 in Rochester—to focus entirely on grocery retail. The decision, driven by competition from national chains, affects 1,200 part-time and 400 full-time Rochester employees.

Employee Transition

Wegmans pledges interviews for all interested Chase-Pitkin staff, with severance for those who decline. President Bill Strassburg calls employee impact the "primary concern."

Community Reaction

Even Home Depot shoppers expressed regret—citing Chase-Pitkin's superior customer service, despite higher prices. Concerns include reduced competition and potential monopoly effects.

Property Plans

Wegmans may lease buildings or convert them to grocery stores (as with the Mt. Read Blvd. location). The Great Northern (Syracuse) and Big Flats (Corning) stores close first by Q1 2006.

A respected regional chain ends—but its service legacy remains a benchmark.