Harry’s Closes Last Stores In A Hurry

The last of the Harry’s In A Hurry stores will close next week, marking the final chapter in the company’s tumultuous history, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Harry A. Blazer, Hurry Inc. chairman, president and chief executive, plans to shut down the remaining Harry’s In A Hurry stores on Roswell Road in Buckhead and Akers Mill in Cobb County about Monday. After failing to turn profits for nearly 10 years, the company says it expects to liquidate, pay debts and distribute any remaining money to shareholders — although no assurances can be made that anything will be left.

Blazer founded Harry’s Farmers Market 14 years ago and later the Hurry’s prepared foods-to-go format. He pioneered a grocery concept, with international foods and gourmet offerings, copied by many national supermarket chains. The popular concept grew to 10 locations until it was put up for sale last year.

Moderator Comment: Why did Harry’s In A Hurry fail?

Dot-coms were not the only ones to fail, in part, due
to believing their own press. Ten years ago, Harry Blazer was being called (on
the record) a retailing genius. He is talked about (off the record) in, decidedly,
less reverential tones today. What was the real story for Blazer and Harry’s?
[George
Anderson – Moderator]