News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Neiman’s Family Market Board of Directors President and former owner Hal Neiman loads pumpkins into a display in the produce section of the store on Friday. He said that, despite what rumors on the street claim, the store is not closing or being moved. Neiman said there will be changes to the store and more of a focus on the grocery aspect of the business, but he and his family look forward to serving the Alpena community for decades to come.

ALPENA –For the last several months, multiple rumors have circulated concerning the future of Neiman’s Family Market in Alpena.

With the Neiman’s pharmacy recently closed and other businesses leaving the Thunder Bay Shopping Center, some people claim the grocery store will close, while others say it will relocate into the former Ripley Street Station building down the road.

Those rumors have made their way back to the store owners and the company’s board or directors, and they want to set the record straight.

The store is not closing or moving.

In fact, plans are being made to add new services and events.

Former owner Hal Neiman — who still sits on the company board but sold the store to his children, Brian and Nathan Neiman, as well as Amy Rogers — told The News on Friday the rumors are not to be believed. He said the store is undergoing some changes, but programs are being added and the store will continue to sell local products to help support local farmers and other producers.

“We are not moving the store, and we are not closing the store,” Neiman said. “In fact, we are continuing to add and innovate. We have an amazing, no-hassle rewards program for our shoppers, and we recently added a new and exciting curbside grocery pickup service called Good To Go.”

Nieman said the new popcorn departments in the Alpena and St. Clair stores are well-received, with several fresh popcorn varieties. He said the store will also add seasonal and holiday options and be equipped to provide for parties, weddings, anniversaries, and graduations.

Neiman’s has a history of being able to adapt with changing market and customer trends. It added a bulk food section years ago and then the Bagel Shop cafe. Neiman said the sale of the pharmacy will allow store leaders to give more attention to the grocery side of the business so it can better compete better with all of the other shopping options people have.

“With the many food industry options customers now have we must constantly improve,” Neiman said. “Besides the big-store options, customers can frequent dollar stores, gas stations, the internet, and mail delivery of food, to name just a few available formats. Staying focused on grocery will allow us to remain competitive and continue the superior customer service customers expect when they shop with us.”

As markets change in Alpena, Neiman said his children and the board will always re-evaluate the company’s business plan and respond accordingly. He said nobody can predict what the future holds, but the store will continue to support local causes and put its customers first.

He didn’t rule out a move down the road someday, but he said he doesn’t see that day coming anytime soon.

“What we have had to do in the last 35 years, and even more so since things have changed, is adjust, change things around, and add things,” he said. “You’ll see a lot of positive changes and additions to this store. Things will go and new things will come in.”

Now that the kids are overseeing day-to-day operations, Neiman is taking more of a behind-the-scenes approach in assisting with operations and management. He said he has all the confidence in the world in his children and knows they will carry on the family tradition.

“They are three very talented and knowledgeable people,” Neiman said. ” They continue to proudly support our local communities of all four of our locations. Bryan, Amy, and Nathan have vigorously continued this tradition. They made sure each store supports local hospitals, service groups, our schools, the community college, the police, firefighters, first-responders, and various community events. Neiman’s proudly lends support to individuals with serious needs, including many associates. That will continue.”

When asked again about a possible move, Neiman was direct.

“One more time, we are not closing, and we are not moving,” he said. “We have been part of the greater Alpena area for 35 years, and we are looking forward to the next 35 years.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.