PHILIPSBURG, Pa. -- After weeks of rumors and speculation, employees at BiLo in Philipsburg have been told the store will close for good next month.

One employee told WJAC-TV Friday that the grocery store’s new owner, Tops Friendly Markets, is closing the store due to low performance.

Tops Friendly Markets, based in upstate New York, purchased 76 grocery stores following the bankruptcy of Penn Traffic in January.

As many as 50 part-time and full-time jobs will be eliminated when the store closes April 10.

Several loyal customers were surprised by the ‘store closing’ sign outside the store, including Cheryl Bainey.

“There’s not many jobs around here as it is,” said Bainey. “I’ve come here for years; I’m really going to miss it.”

Frequent BiLo shopper Cathy Timblin told WJAC-TV she’s concerned for the dozens of workers who will be left jobless, including a close friend.

“They’re all like family here,” said Timblin. “There are a lot of nice people in there.”