Au Revoir Sprouts on Brodie

In case you missed it, Sprouts, the Colorado-based chain of grocery stores, is closing three of its Austin locations. People seem most outraged at the loss of the store on Anderson Lane. As I live in Bubba-land, the Brodie Sprouts was closest to home. Sprouts bought out Sun Harvest on South Lamar, which had a really amazing butcher department and deli, plus superior fresh produce. I really hope that level of quality I got used to with Sun Harvest continues now that it is a Sprouts. The Sprouts staff always had a great attitude, and I hope all of them find new jobs.

As with all store closings, Sprouts is liquidating its stock. The store on Brodie will remain open until December 18th. I popped into the Brodie Sprouts over the weekend and got 50% off mineral water, hand and body lotion, sunblock, and shampoo. But it is weird in there! Very empty, only three shelves stocked, and in the spirit of Austin, relentlessly cheerful employees willing to help even the most unstoppable bargain-hunters.

And your hunt won't take long. With just five days left, the pickings are super slim. A few jars of $5 salsa, some juices, some upscale natural skin creams and lotions, and vitamins. Not a lot! But perhaps worth a visit just to see how ghostly and yet tranquil an empty grocery store can be. I'm sure H.E.B. on Brodie and William Cannon is too classy to celebrate the closing, but you just know they're doing an end zone touchdown dance inside.