The Pamida Discount Center in Wadena is tentatively set to close Feb. 14 ending a history with the community that goes back almost 40 years.
Pamida, which was called Gibson when it first opened in downtown Wadena, is presently located at 801 Jefferson Street North. A Wal-Mart Supercenter, another discount retailer is located nearby at 100 Juniper Avenue West.
The Wadena Pamida store opened in 1972.
Economic problems are forcing the closures, according to Dean Williamson, vice president of human resources at Pamida's corporate office in Omaha, Neb.
Pamida stores in Park Rapids and Detroit Lakes are also closing. Store stock will be moved to other Pamida locations. Pamida operates 215 stores in 17 states. There are also Pamida stores operating in Perham, Fergus Falls and Bemidji.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Wadena Pamida has more than 20 employees. The current store manager, Karen Ganske, has been with Pamida for 34 years. The local Pamida includes a pharmacy.
Pamida's practice is to provide both full-time and part-time employees severance pay.
Park Rapids Enterprise staff writer Jean Ruzicka contributed to this report.
