Brennan’s Market, Longtime Wisconsin Grocer, To Close

Brennan’s Market, which grew over the course of 75 years from a road-side fruit stand into a company with five Wisconsin stores and a cheese packaging facility in New Glarus, announced Wednesday it will close up shop by the end of September.

Brennan’s Market employs 150 full- and part-time workers. There are two stores in Madison and one each in Brookfield, Monroe and Oconomowoc.

In a statement, Brennan’s owner and general manager, Tim Culhane, cited increased competition and changing consumer habits as reasons for closing.

“Although we’re saddened by the decision to close our doors later this year, we are sincerely grateful for the generations of loyal customers and our incredible partners,” Culhane said.

Customer Amy Brandt said she and her family will miss shopping at the Brennan’s in Monroe.

“It just truly broke my heart and instantly sent me back to my childhood with my Grandpa Frank,” recalled Brandt. “We would go shopping there for fresh fruit and veggies for grandma, and I just remember at an early age, holding Grandpa’s hand and snacking my way through the Brennan’s store.”

Brennan’s saw a significant decline in sales during the Great Recession beginning in 2008. However, even as the economy rebounded, the company’s sales remained flat, according to the statement announcing the closure.

The Wisconsin Grocers Association doesn’t see Brennan’s closing as the start of a trend. New grocery stores will continue to open up or expand.

“You’ll probably see acquisition before you see closure,” said Wisconsin Grocers Association CEO and President Brandon Scholz.

“We usually see stores being built and more stores being added to markets and the question becomes ‘Are there too many stores?’” Scholz said. “I think in this case, because Brennan’s is a limited-assortment, niche type store, that it couldn’t grow and it couldn’t compete with the products other stores offered.”

Brennan’s is known for its wine, cheese, fruits and vegetables. For decades, the Brennan’s family and staff personally visited and inspected every farm orchard, vineyard, microbrewery and cheese factory they purchased from, according to the statement. But other stores have improved their quality to attract customers, according to the Wisconsin Grocers Association.

“Without the ability to increase their customer base, and with relatively high prices and in an industry that is super competitive, the time just came,” said Scholz.

He said the closing of five stores indicates just how competitive the grocery market is in Wisconsin. Many stores now offer a wide variety of items.

“Somebody says, ‘Well, I’ve bought everything I need but should I run over to this other store and get the one thing I like to get there.’ At some point, people stop making two trips,” Scholz said.