Pennsylvania is hemorrhaging jobs as the economic downturn continues to take its toll.
The state keeps suffering waves of layoffs as factories close en masse…
And the pain has spread to retail – where grocery stores and pharmacies have been going out of business.
Unfortunately we’re in another wave of closures as Pennsylvania prepares to lose another major employer and 717 jobs.
In this case, the victim is Whitehall Township, population 29,000, which is about to lose the United Natural Foods distribution center on Independence Drive.
Notice the population – we’re talking about 700+ jobs evaporating for a township of under 30,000. That’s absolutely devastating.
Now, UNFI’s closure is tied to the fact that they’re exiting their wholesale agreement with Key Foods, but it’s emblematic of the bigger problems facing the food industry in general and grocery stores in particular.
The economic slowdown has reduced consumer demand, which is putting pressure on just about every business in the food and beverage sector.
Of course, pile on tariffs, stubborn inflation, and labor shortages, and it’s not shocking that contracts like UNFI’s with Key Foods no longer pencil out.
Of course, knowing that the move is logical is cold comfort to the 717 people losing their jobs. (The first wave of layoffs was in August; the second will be in October.)
That’s hundreds of people who will need to find new employment in what is honestly looking like a pretty rough economy.
Let’s all take a moment to wish them well. If you have encouragement or advice to share, please add a comment!
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