Murray's Richboro Market In Northampton Closes

NORTHAMPTON, PA — In Northampton, residents were taking time out on Christmas week to remember Murray's Richboro Market, a longtime, locally owned store that has closed its doors for good.

On Friday, the store on 2nd Street Pike posted on its Facebook page that all remaining inventory was selling for 50-percent off. That would turn out to be the last day for the store, which had become an IGA grocery after being a Shop N Bag.

Opened in 1994, the market has been a favorite for local residents looking to shop locally.

"It is so sad for our community," Northampton Township Supervisor Kimberly Rose told Patch. "Murray’s is the place where all our kids have their first jobs, where our seniors go to have a coffee and chat, where Girl and Boy Scouts set up sales booths."

Rose said store owner Murray Battleman and manager John Brown seemingly have made donations to every local school, sports team and community organization. Battleman and Brown did not return messages from Patch seeking comment for this story.

The shopping center in which Murray's is located has been undergoing major facade construction.

By Wednesday, customers had left notes fondly remembering the store all over one of the windows of the now-closed grocery. Followers on Facebook also were leaving messages of appreciation.

"So very sad to see this happening," one person wrote on Facebook. "The 'Shop N Bag' family has always been a treasure to our community. The support you gave to so many schools and groups was invaluable. So many memories of Sharon's festive headwear, so many of our kids selling cookies, popcorn, etc outside. God bless you all."

Wrote another: "Loved this store and the people who worked there. The best meats anywhere! Great staff always so supportive of our community and beyond. Always willing to help any cause... Turkey for the homeless, raising money for cancer, school donations etc. You will all be missed."

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