The Save-A-Lot grocery store on Wrightsboro Road will close Friday because of poor performance, company officials said Tuesday.

The discount store will cease operations at 2 p.m.

Company spokeswoman Jaime Powers said the store had been monitored for the past year.

"Any time we have to close a store, it's something that we have researched. Unfortunately, the store has been underperforming," Ms. Powers said. "We made the decision that it was probably the best option to close the store."

The corporate-owned location is one of four Save-A-Lots in the Augusta area. The other three on Peach Orchard Road in Augusta, Edgefield Road in North Augusta and York Street in Aiken are independently operated and will remain open.

Rumors had circulated that the store's closing was prompted by Augusta State University's acquisition of the property.

"It is true that the university was approached about buying it; however, it is not under consideration or discussion," said Kathy Schofe, ASU's director of public relations and publications.

Customers were surprised by the news of the closing.

"It's probably one of the closest stores in the area where you can get a bargain," said Larry Howard, a longtime customer.

Save-A-Lot Ltd., a subsidiary of SuperValu Inc., has 1,200 stores in the United States.