An Asian supermarket in Pickering that reopened under new management just one year ago has been locked out by its landlord over a disputed debt of more than $2.36 million, leaving customers and community members across Durham Region surprised by the sudden and unexpected closure of the popular grocery store.
Memon Supermarket, located at 1899 Brock Road in Pickering in the former Sobeys location, was shuttered on June 1 when Calloway REIT, acting through a bailiff, posted a notice on the door declaring the lease terminated due to an outstanding debt of $2,367,805.51. The notice states that Memon must now arrange with the landlord to remove all goods and chattel from the premises, and any attempt to enter without the landlord’s written permission is considered unlawful.
The supermarket reopened on June 26, 2025, under the ownership of Izhar Ahmed, with Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe in attendance for the launch event. The store had been warmly welcomed by the local community as a source of South Asian groceries and specialty products in the growing Brock Road commercial corridor in Pickering, drawing shoppers from across the Durham Region.
The closure has drawn significant attention on social media, with videos and online discussions circulating about the circumstances surrounding the sudden shutdown. Memon released an official statement last week addressing the situation, saying they were aware of videos and online content containing what they described as false and malicious allegations about the company and its operations.
Memon confirmed that a police report has been filed in connection with the matter. As the issue is currently under investigation by authorities, the company said it would not be making further public comments at this time and asked for the patience, understanding, and support of the community while the appropriate processes take their course.
The closure highlights the challenges facing independent grocery operators in an increasingly competitive market, particularly those taking over large-format retail spaces formerly occupied by major national chains. The Brock Road location had previously operated as a Sobeys store before transitioning to Memon last year, and the scale of the space presents its own significant operational demands and overhead costs.
For Pickering residents who relied on Memon for specialty groceries, the sudden closure leaves a notable gap in the local market. The store had built a loyal customer base in the year since its relaunch, offering products and ingredients that were not readily available at other grocery stores in the immediate area along Brock Road.
The future of the 1899 Brock Road location remains uncertain as the dispute between Memon and Calloway REIT works its way through the legal process. The landlord has not publicly indicated whether a new tenant is being sought for the space, which sits in a busy commercial plaza along one of Pickering’s main north-south corridors.
Customers who may have outstanding orders, deposits, or loyalty points with the supermarket are advised to monitor the situation closely and contact the company through its official channels for any updates regarding refunds, returns, or next steps.
