Greg Ross, owner of the Granville IGA and its surrounding land, has listed it for sale online for $6.5 million due to nearing retirement age with no successor.

The property was listed online on Aug. 26, and Granville leaders are searching for a buyer who will keep the spirit of Granville in mind, and not turn away frequent shoppers according to the Reporting Project.

“We have a lot of elderly people that have shopped here for years,” IGA worker Cheryl said. “They are very emotional about it because they want it to stay like it is.”

Not just the shoppers are concerned, some of the students who work there are concerned about where they fit into the sale as well.

“As a bagger, it’s just unfortunate because, my job and everything, will I still be able to work here?” junior Gavin McDonald said. “You know… if I need to find something else.”

There are also others who aren’t very concerned with the sale, thinking that the cost is too high for any potential buyers.

“Nobody’s going to buy it,” senior Ethan Gray said. “$6 million is way too much for anybody to spend on it.”

Workers also agree with Granville leaders about keeping the store local, keeping people who go there frequently happy.

“I would like to remain local,” Cheryl said. “No corporations.”

While there are many Granville residents deeply saddened by the sale of Ross’ market, work is beginning to ensure that the buyers continue serving the locals, and to not bring the town down.

“I hate to see him leave because they’re a very nice family to work for,” Cheryl said. “They’re very family oriented, so I hate to see him leave. I’m happy for him.”