Sunshine closing is a dark day

PLAINS TWP. – A family-owned grocery store that has been in the Wyoming Valley for almost 60 years is now closing.

Sunshine Market, which first opened in 1950 at East Northampton and South Washington streets in Wilkes-Barre, has been in many locations throughout the area.

The closure was announced Friday afternoon by family of Anthony Colonna, who created the independent grocer more than a half-century ago.

Colonna, 71, of Laflin, died in February 2000. He opened his first store, Northampton Food Market, which later had to relocate to Spring Street in Wilkes-Barre Township.

“We thank everyone who played any part in making Sunshine Market a success. But, times change and we must change with the times,” read a statement from the late owner’s wife, Elizabeth Colonna, and family.

General Manager Elisa Colonna said the owners gave employees a notice Friday about the closure, which could be anytime between Nov. 16 and the end of the year.

“Growing competition in the area and a hit from the economy in the past year has contributed to Sunshine Market’s closure,” said Elisa Colonna, of Laflin. “We do have a lot of loyal customers in the area, and we apologize to our customers and our employees that it had to come to this.”

Colonna, daughter of the late Anthony Colonna, said the family is looking at other business ventures, but she would not go into detail about future plans. “There is always a possibility that we’ll be doing something else with the building,” she said.

Loretta Slavinski, 75, of Slocum, said she has been shopping at Sunshine Market since the store had been in Wilkes-Barre.

“I come here quite often,” said Slavinski, who stopped at the store Friday evening. “I love their meats and their vegetable department. I feel sad that they’re closing.”

Sharon Winslow, a regular shopper at Sunshine, was walking out of the store with a cart full of groceries. She said she was upset when she heard the news.

“It’s really a shame. I’m going to miss this store,” said Winslow, 63, of Exeter. Her sister, who is from Dallas, also shops at the store. “They have excellent meats and their prices are really reasonable.”

Michell Bennett, 44, drives from Scranton once a week to get the produce at Sunshine. She said it is worth the $5 in gas.

Bennett, who also shops for the church’s ministry in Dickson City, said she has been going to the store for the last four years because “their produce is very inexpensive.”