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Campbell’s Market to shut down by beginning of June

BEVERLY — A family-run market known for its selection of fresh meats will close around June 1, as the owners say they simply don’t have enough business to keep the doors open.

Campbell’s Market has been part of the Beverly community since it was founded in 1946 by Charles Lee and Eloene Campbell. It stayed in the Campbell family for several years, and it was purchased about two years ago by Sam and Michele Ross.

“It’s with a heavy heart that we announce that Campbell’s will be closing due to lack of business,” Michele Ross said Monday afternoon. “The ‘big guys’ are pushing everyone out.”

She said the grocery store and meat market have seen fewer and fewer regular customers.

“It’s always been known for the meat, and people are saying, ‘Where are we going to get our meat?’ But the meat (portion of the business) — it just wasn’t enough to cover overhead expenses.”

After more than 70 years in business, Campbell’s Market in Beverly will close its doors for the final time within weeks.

Michele Ross said they have posted a sign on the door letting customers know the business will close once the store inventory is sold.

She added it’s been tough for her staff, which includes five employees in addition to herself and her husband. She said they have become just like family, and many of her customers also feel like family.

Employee Ronda Smith has worked at Campbell’s about two years, helping at the meat counter, stocking shelves, running the cash registers or doing anything else that is needed. She said some of the other employees have worked there for many, many years.

“It’s going to break all our hearts,” Smith said of the business closing. “We couldn’t ask for better bosses or better people to work with. Michele and Sam are both good to me.”

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