Willard Square’s Bathras Market closing

SOUTH PORTLAND — Bathras Market, which reopened in South Portland’s Willard Square last year after a 20-year absence, has announced that it will close later this month.

“It is with great sadness that we write to inform you that Bathras Market will be closing on January 20, 2012,” said a posting on the store’s Facebook page. “We have had a wonderful year filled with support and encouragement from all of you, but it seems that the competition from larger supermarkets combined with the seasonal nature of our location, as well as our own family circumstances, are preventing us from doing the business we need to do in order to survive as a year-round grocery market and deli.

“We have tried our best to have a unique mix of quality products with fair pricing, but it has become clear that we do not have the buying power to compete with prices at larger stores, which greatly impacts our ability to generate sales during these difficult economic times.”

Timothy Bathras - grandson of original owners George and Christina Bathras - and his wife Kate reopened the store, located at 412 Preble St.

The market opened in 1954 as a place for residents in the neighborhood to pick up grocery items, meat, seafood and produce, as well as beer, wine and other items. It closed in 1989 when George and Christina Bathras retired.

“This decision has not come easily to our family, as we take our role in the community very seriously and so love working with all of you,” the Facebook post read. “We truly appreciate all you have done to help us make Bathras Market the wonderful place that it is, and we will miss being your grocers.”