8 Modesto businesses highlight challenges in local commerce

The closures of 8 notable businesses underscore the vulnerabilities local commerce faces in today’s economy. Factors such as rising costs, economic instability, shifts in consumer behavior, and difficulties in adapting to changing market dynamics have been evident in instances like the bankruptcy of major agricultural player Prima Wawona and the nationwide shuttering of 99 Cents Only Stores. Small, family-owned establishments, like Marcella’s Mexican Restaurant and Piccadilly Deli, have also cited financial pressures, while longtime retailers in McHenry Village—including Ragamuffin and Royal Robbins—attribute closures to reduced foot traffic and competition from online shopping.

These closures reflect broader challenges for local businesses in maintaining viability amidst evolving operational and market conditions.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

An employee of Gerawan Farming/Prima Brand, arranges fruit during the Fifth annual Fresno Food Expo in 2019.

NO. 1: MASSIVE CALIFORNIA FRUIT GROWER IS BANKRUPT. HERE’S HOW MANY JOBS WILL BE LOST

At one time, Prima Wawona was the largest producer of peaches, plums and nectarines in the United States. | Published January 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Robert Rodriguez

Royal Robbins store in McHenry Village in Modesto, Calif., Thursday, March 28, 2024. By Deke Farrow

NO. 2: LONGTIME MODESTO COMPANY CLOSING SHOP. IT’S NOT THE ONLY MCHENRY VILLAGE BUSINESS LEAVING

“While there is some sadness in this decision, there is no regret.” | Published March 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

The 99 Cents Only Store announced on April 4, 2024, that it would be closing all locations, including in San Luis Obispo. By Laura Dickinson

NO. 3: 99 CENT ONLY IS CLOSING ALL 371 STORES IN THE NATION — INCLUDING 4 IN MODESTO AREA

Here’s when sales start at Modesto-area locations. | Published April 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sarah Linn

Kids ride a dragon-themed rollercoaster at the 2017 Oakdale Chocolate Festival.

NO. 4: AFTER 30 YEARS, MODESTO-AREA FESTIVAL’S RUN IS OVER. HERE’S WHY

There are plenty of other festivals to enjoy coming up in May across the region. | Published April 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Pat Clark

Ragamuffin children’s clothing store clerk Bethany Denlinger folds clothing as the store begins its closing sale with an invite to loyal customers at McHenry Village in Modesto, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. The owner is retiring and closing the store and is selling the remaining merchandise. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 5: ANOTHER LONGTIME RETAILER IN MODESTO’S MCHENRY VILLAGE IS CLOSING. ‘AN ERA HAS TO END’

“People aren’t shopping locally as much anymore,” the owner said. | Published October 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

Piccadilly Deli and Sandwich Shop owner Suzie Wirth serves fruit salad to customers (left to right) Bruce Roehr, Jeff Csolak, and Aurora Jacobsen during lunchtime in 2005.

NO. 6: DECADES-OLD DOWNTOWN MODESTO EATERY IS PERMANENTLY CLOSING. HOW LONG YOU HAVE TO VISIT

The deli was founded in 1976 and was transformed from a shoe store. | Published November 13, 2024 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

Marcella Garcia holds a menu from the restaurant her father Alfredo Duran Sr. opened named after her with her portrait on the back. Marcella’s Mexican restaurant is closing at the end of the month. Photographed in Modesto, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 7: MODESTO FAMILY OPERATED TULLY ROAD RESTAURANT FOR DECADES. NOW, IT MUST CLOSE. ‘I TRIED’

Here’s how long you have to visit. | Published January 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

NO. 8: IN LESS THAN A YEAR, MCHENRY VILLAGE HAS LOST THREE LONGTIME RETAILERS. HERE’S THE LATEST

Here’s how long you have to shop the sales. | Published February 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.