Niles community sad to say goodbye to Shelton’s Farm Market after 77 years

NILES, Mich. -- The Niles community says they are heartbroken to hear about Shelton’s Farm Market, releasing a statement on social media Tuesday saying the market doors will be closing for good in 2025.

The market’s been a fresh meat and produce go-to since it’s 1947 opening, so shoppers like Daniel Disterheft said it was a shock to hear its doors will be closing.

“It felt kind of like a heartbreak and you know, I’ll most definitely miss the store… they just have many good meats here, many good fruits and vegetables, and a lot of hard to find items,” said Disterheft.

The location will not be vacant long however, as Owner Mike Shelton explained Aldi Foods will be taking its place.

"The good news for the community is that we believe we have found the right successor-a major retailer committed to providing continued value to our community," Shelton said. "When Aldi Foods approached us, it made the difficult decision to move on a bit more bearable. They will replace our well-worn building with a brand-new facility, promising to deliver great food at great prices, and new employment opportunities, from this location."

While locals did express an Aldi Foods will be good for Niles, shoppers like Dustan Carpenter said losing the meat market Shelton’s Farm Market offers will be tough.

“I heard that it’s going to be maybe an Aldi’s, which would be good too as well to come in and get some Aldi’s shopping done, but to have the meat market leave, is kind of devastating,” said Carpenter.

While Shelton’s Farm Market has not said when its doors will officially close, or when Aldi’s plans to take its place, they did say there is a chance the farm looks for a new location.

"Moreover, while our future plans are still taking shape, we are optimistic about the possibility of continuing the legacy of Shelton Farms-a new location, a new look, and better values than ever," Shelton said.