Stater Bros. Hesperia Store Closing on Main Street in 2026

Overview

Stater Bros. Markets, headquartered in San Bernardino, will close the Hesperia location at 15757 Main Street, a store the chain opened in 1980. The company cites an expired lease and says it does not plan to replace the site. The move affects 62 employees; the company says every affected worker will be offered positions at other Stater Bros. stores without any loss of pay or seniority.

Background and local context

The Main Street market has served parts of Hesperia for more than four decades. Stater Bros. operates 167 supermarkets across seven Southern California counties, employs about 18,000 people and reports more than $4 billion in annual sales. Two other Hesperia locations — at 14466 Main St. and 16904 Main St. (Store #190) — were remodeled within the past two years and are expected to absorb customers and staff from the closing store.

What the company told reporters

Spokesman Jonathan Lieu confirmed the store’s lease expired and said the company has no plans to replace the store at that exact location. Lieu stated all employees at the closing store will be offered positions at other Stater Bros. stores with no loss of pay or seniority. He declined to discuss lease terms, financial details, or the property owner’s plans.

“The company will offer every employee at the closing store positions at other Stater Bros. stores, with no drop in pay or loss of seniority.”

Implications for The High Desert

Economic impact

Because Stater Bros. is offering transfers, immediate layoffs and income disruption appear limited. That helps preserve payroll spending in the regional economy. However, loss of a grocery anchor on Main Street can reduce foot traffic for nearby small businesses, affect delivery routes and parking turnover, and—if the vacancy persists—reduce taxable commercial activity in the area.

Political consequences

Residents may press city officials to engage the property owner and seek a swift replacement tenant. Debates could center on efficient use of commercial property, local incentives for reuse, and the city’s role in attracting new retail to the corridor.

Social effects

For seniors and households without reliable transportation, losing a long-standing neighborhood grocery can mean longer trips and reduced convenience. Stores that provide deli, floral, and prepared foods also serve as informal community hubs; their absence can diminish quick, local shopping options.

Cultural relevance

The Stater Bros. at 15757 Main St. has been part of Main Street’s commercial fabric since 1980. Its closure marks a visible change on the corridor and raises questions about how Main Street will reestablish itself as a shopping and meeting place.

Practical guidance for residents and employees

• Alternate stores: Use the remodeled Stater Bros. locations at 14466 Main St. and 16904 Main St. (Store #190), which lists extended hours and services such as curbside pickup, deli and prepared foods.
• Employee options: All 62 employees are being offered transfers to other Stater Bros. stores with no cuts to pay or seniority.
• Watch the vacancy: Residents and business owners should monitor city notices and commercial listings for redevelopment plans or a new tenant.

What remains unknown

• No public information shows the property at 15757 Main St. has been sold or that a new tenant has been secured.
• There is no timeline for when the space might be leased to a new operator or redeveloped.
• The company provided no customer-impact analysis showing how shoppers will redistribute among the remaining stores.

Sources and further reading

Primary reporting and background for this article include:

• IE Business Daily: “Stater Bros. to close High Desert store”
• Stater Bros. Markets store page for Store #190 (16904 Main St.)
• RetailWatchers forum discussion noting rarity of closures

City officials, property managers and Stater Bros. will shape how quickly the Main Street property returns to productive use. For now, the company’s assurances to staff and the continued operation of two nearby stores reduce some immediate economic pain while questions about the site’s future remain open.