DOWAGIAC, MI — A mayor of a Southwest Michigan city said he is “deeply saddened” to hear a local grocery store plans to close in January.

Harding’s Market, 102 Park Place in Dowagiac, will be closing on Jan. 15, 2026, department head Evia Gardner said.

The company has announced plans to open new locations elsewhere in the region in the future.

“Harding’s has been more than just a grocery store to me and to many in our community,” Mayor Patrick M. Bakeman said. “Over the years, during my weekly visits, I came to truly appreciate not only the convenience and quality they offered, but the friendly, familiar faces that greeted me each time I walked through the door.”

Losing a longstanding local business is never easy, he said, and Harding’s presence will be missed.

At the same time, Bakem

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