Standard Market closing Naperville store citing 'unfavorable business conditions'

Standard Market is shuttering its high-end grocery store and restaurant in Naperville, citing unfavorable business conditions at that location.

An exact closing date for the market at 1508 Aurora Ave. has not been determined, marketing director Ken Tsang said, noting operators are "taking it one day at a time."

The shop was bustling with large crowds Wednesday, he said, as word spread of its impending closure and a sale for 30 percent off grocery items through its last day.

"Ultimately, we've been here five years, and we've really enjoyed being part of the community and meeting lots of folks here," Tsang said. "The business conditions didn't favor us continuing to operate this location. It just didn't meet the expectations of what we wanted."

Standard Market posted a page on its website and sent out an email blast this week announcing plans to close. The Naperville site, which opened in 2014, includes a gourmet grocery section, a Standard Market Grill gastropub, and The CUBE wine, beer and cheese bar.

Though the restaurant component of the business has done well, the grocery has not performed as owners had hoped, said Christine Jeffries, president and CEO of the Naperville Development Partnership.

Data from the Illinois Department of Revenue and consultant Melaniphy & Associates show that Naperville has the highest retail sales in the grocery category of all suburban communities.

"Still, it is a very competitive marketplace and there is a lot of brand loyalty with grocery shoppers," Jeffries said.

Standard Market will continue operating its flagship Westmont location, which opened in 2011 at 333 E. Ogden Ave. and underwent an expansion last summer. Several Naperville employees will be relocated there, Tsang said.

According to the website, customers can return items, pick up catering orders and redeem Standard Market Loyalty points in Westmont, where the same products and features are offered. The Westmont location also has a Standard Taco & Margarita.

Standard Market operators say they are "exploring opportunities" for the Naperville building and hope to make an announcement about the site soon.