Supervalu's Sunflower Markets to close after two years

MINNEAPOLIS The Sunflower Markets chain run by Supervalu is shutting down after two years in business. The chain announced that it’s now closing all five stores in three states.

“Ultimately, the format did not meet our goals,” said Supervalu spokeswoman Haley Meyer.

The smaller format stores emphasized organic foods and all-natural products and were seen as an alternative to other grocers like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. Three of the stores are located in Columbus, Ohio, and the other two are in Chicago and Indianapolis. The first store opened in early 2006 and Supervalu planned to open up to 50 stores if the format proved successful.