This month, Bimbo Bakeries closed all of its San Diego-area bakery outlet stores: in Kearny Mesa, El Cajon, Escondido, and Chula Vista.

By shopping at the discount stores, many folks, particularly those on fixed incomes, were able to save on costs. Brian, an employee at Tommy’s Nails (next to the Kearny Mesa store), reported that the flow of disappointed customers has continued weeks after the closing.

I sent a consumer inquiry to the company via their website. Karen, a Bimbo representative, called the next morning to say the company recently closed 13 stores in Southern California. She said it was “a business decision” and could not provide additional insight.

She also said the company is aware that consumer disappointment here has been significant. Based on feedback that the closings have negatively affected thousands of consumers in our area, she said she would recommend that the San Diego store be reopened.

Related story: "Interview with a Bimbo Truck Driver"