Covington will be losing some grocery story history by the end of the year.

Employees at the QFC were told Saturday the store would be closing it doors for business Dec. 12

QFC Public Affairs Director Kristin Maas said, “Our lease expired and after looking at changes in the market and new competition the decision was made to close the store.”

The store, located at 17239 S.E. 272nd St., has 50 employees according to Maas.

“We are working to offer (the employees) positions in other stores,” Maas said.

QFC is owned by the Kroger Company based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Kroger’s Web site stated the company is one of the largest grocery retailers in the country with sales in 2008 reaching $76 billion.

Kroger owns Fred Meyer, which is also located in Covington at 16735 S.E. 272nd St.

Along with Fred Meyer, the Covington QFC has been competing with Safeway and a recently opened Costco.

Maas said there are no plans to open another QFC in the area.

The store was Johnny’s grocery before QFC purchased the business in 1994.