Whether one shops at Ray’s Food Place or not, it is never good news when a local employer closes shop.

However, this news comes as no surprise to many. Ray’s parent company has been suffering financially for years, in and out of bankruptcy.

Walmart was in place about two years when Ray’s opened. Closing underperforming stores is not uncommon for companies, including Walmart. Earlier this year, Walmart closed over 150 underperforming stores in the U.S.

Sad as it may be, the good news is the parent company reports that the property will be sold by the end of the year.

This is an opportunity for another retailer to come to Clearlake. We need it.

Far too often we have to shop over the hill for common household items and clothing. And by doing so, our tax revenue goes to other areas.

It’s time for Clearlake to grow its retail market and economy.

Chuck Leonard lives in Clearlake, Calif.