One of Mississauga’s most iconic grocery stores, Highland Farms, appears to be on the brink of shutting its doors permanently after serving local shoppers for more than 40 years. Reports suggest that the massive supermarket at Matheson Boulevard East and Hurontario Street could close as early as next month, marking the end of an era for generations of residents who once filled its wide aisles.
While the company has officially offered “no comment,” employees and shoppers alike say the signs are unmistakable — shelves have gone unstocked, foot traffic has dwindled, and staff quietly acknowledge that the closure is imminent. The 14-acre property, which has been up for sale since June, has reportedly been sold, according to Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish.
“I just found out that Highland Farms was sold because they are fed up, they are finished with it, and they are closing that grocery store,” Parrish said at a recent council meeting, citing frustration among the owners over prolonged construction on the Hazel McCallion LRT line, which they believe has severely disrupted customer access and sales.
The once-bustling 93,000-square-foot retail space has struggled to maintain its former glory in recent years. Once praised for its towering ceilings, expansive aisles, and exceptional fresh produce, meat, and bakery sections, the store now stands largely empty. Loyal customers have taken to social media to lament its decline. “At one time, everyone went there,” one Reddit user wrote. “Now it feels like a ghost store.”
Highland Farms’ Mississauga location, built in 1981, has been one of the city’s largest grocery outlets, drawing shoppers from across the GTA. However, industry insiders say years of shifting retail trends, online grocery growth, and logistical hurdles from nearby construction took a heavy toll.
The site’s sales listing advertises the property as suitable for another large retail operation or light industrial use, boasting 176,000 square feet of total space, including a warehouse and 1,100 parking spots. Due to its proximity to Toronto Pearson International Airport, the property is not expected to be redeveloped for residential towers.
If the closure proceeds, it will mark a significant chapter’s end in Mississauga’s retail history — one that many longtime residents will remember as a cornerstone of their weekly shopping routine.