Super rumor

White signs with black print sit throughout the Acme supermarket at 10th and Reed streets, but they’re not advertising a sale.

To the contrary, they’re advertising that the store won’t be sold off.

But despite assurances, residents of the surrounding neighborhood have been upset by rumors — and thereby spreading more rumors — that the market is shutting down and the property being used for new housing.

Customers and neighbors largely were familiar with the gossip, but no one seemed to know from where it originated.

Nearby residents said they’ve heard through the grapevine that the supermarket was shutting down to allow for the building of condos or senior housing.

While Acme vehemently denies these rumors, the story persists throughout the community.

Wendell Young, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1776, also has heard the tale, but said he has not received any official word on the matter. His union represents Acme’s employees.

However, Young said he wouldn’t be surprised if he hears something from the company "in the near future."

Passyunk Square Civic Association president Sue Montella said someone from her organization recently contacted Acme management and was told the rumors were unfounded.

"To us, it’s also just rumors," said Carole McKelvey, director of the South Philadelphia Older Adult Center, at Passyunk Avenue and Dickinson Street, just across the parking lot from the Acme. "There’s been a lot of talk about it. Everyone is concerned about it closing because people in this area are very dependent on it."

McKelvey said it would be detrimental to the community if the store, owned by Albertson’s, Inc., were to close for good.

"It would be sad for the older people that live here," she said. "There are no other markets around here."

Patrons of the supermarket shared her sentiments.

"This would impact my life because it is the only market around here," said Elaine Dibona, of the 700 block of Manton Street, who heard rumors of its closing from other customers.

Josephine Catinella, of the 800 block of Dickinson Street, was one of the few shoppers earlier this week who hadn’t heard the story, but said she hopes it’s not true.

"Thank God I got this Acme. Where else would I go? I don’t have a car."