Owner of Wellington Bella's says he's not interested in selling, shelves will be restocked

Bella’s Market owner Sam Mancini told the North Forty News July 31 that the Wellington store will be restocked in the “next 30 days.” The Wellington Bella’s has experienced bare shelves and limited stock for everything except dairy products.

Three Bella’s stores — Walden, Wiggins and Akron — have closed temporarily. 9News and 7News reported July 29 that Flagler-based Stop and Shop had purchased the Bella’s Markets in Limon and Stratton.

When asked why he’d indicated previously that he would be open to selling the store, Mancini said he has no desire or intent to sell the Wellington store.

“My previous comments were no different than what any other business owner would say,” said Mancini. “That is, I would look into getting rid of an asset if it were not performing well. But the Wellington store has been, until recently, performing well.”

Mancini said the he’s pumped $150,000 into improvements in the store recently, including new lighting, changes to the deli and changes to the meat department. He also anticipates being at the store on regular basis during August, as the anticipated new shipments of products arrive.

“We’ve had shipping problems, and we never expected the shortages that have occurred. Nothing distresses me more than having the employees go through what they’ve gone through for the last five months,” said Mancini. “I love that store, I love our employees running it and I love the community.”