OXFORD – For over half a century, a grocery market has been a mainstay in the Village of Oxford; however by the middle of next month, shoppers looking for a full-service grocer will have to go out of town.

The Oxford Great American will close Aug. 11. The property has already been conveyed to a private investor. The business that purchased the property leases properties to Dollar General discount stores. The building, which has been suffering from slow decay, is expected to receive a full renovation.

“I can’t speak for other people, but I was notified that the two properties making up the grounds around, and the building itself, have already been sold and a new business is already preparing to open up in its place,” said Oxford Village Mayor Terry M. Stark.

Stark said that the new business, Dollar General, should be operational by Nov. 1 and that it would employ approximately the same number of personnel as the Great American.