Martin's IGA+ Sold to Kirby Foods

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Published on November 9 2017 11:12 am
Last Updated on November 9 2017 2:36 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

One of Effingham's leading businesses is being sold.

Owner Newlin Martin Thursday announced the sale of Martin's IGA+ in Effingham to Kirby Foods, Inc. of Champaign. Kirby Foods will be taking ownership of the store on January 8.

Newlin Martin said, "The grocery industry is changing fast, and today's business climate requires a larger operation to be competitive. I want Martin's IGA to remain competitive and continue to provide service to our community. After we looked at all of the options to keep this in the family, we decided that this was the best alternative for everyone involved. While I intend to retire, my son, Todd, will continue to own and operate the Effingham Save-a-Lot  and Martin's IGA stores in Casey and Newton."

"We are excited to be a part of the Effingham community, and we look forward to continuing to serve the Effingham area," said Larry Tobias, President of Kirby Foods. Kirby Foods operates 11 IGA stores and four Save-a-Lot locations in Illinois and Indiana. They are a 100% employee-owned operation founded in 1969. "We are honored to be carrying on the tradition of Martin's IGA in Effingham and look forward to continuing the high standards Newlin Martin established in this community," Tobias said.

"The values of Martin's and Kirby Foods are very similar," Martin said. "Kirby Foods and Martin's are both committed to continuing our history of outstanding customer service, value and community-friendly operations."

The Martin family has operated Martin's IGA in Effingham for over 70 years, beginning with Clyde Martin's meat locker business in 1938. Martin's IGA store has been recognized as the World's Largest Volume IGA, IGA Retailer of the Year, SuperValue Retailer of the Year, and recognized by the Illinois Food Retailer Association.