Save Mart plans to close its store at Fruit and McKinley avenues in Fresno, the company announced Monday.

The store will close Feb. 9.

Modesto-based Save Mart blamed the closure on the faltering economy and competition from other retailers, according to a statement released Monday.

The store is in a building that was built in 1964, with Save Mart opening there in 1996. At 20,350 square feet, it is smaller than many other Save Mart stores, but served Tower District residents and others who didn't have another grocery store nearby.

According to Save Mart's news release: "A small, out-of-date grocery store, nevertheless, it faithfully served its neighborhood community for the past 16 years not only selling groceries but supporting local schools and organizations."

Save Mart spokeswoman Alicia Rockwell said the company would try to place employees at other stores.

The property is in the process of being sold to a new owner, but has not closed escrow yet, said Tom Anderson, a partner in Fresno-based Commercial Retail Associates. He declined to comment further.

Save Mart has closed four stores in the Fresno area since late 2010, including stores in Kerman and Sanger, and on Figarden Drive in Fresno. The store at Bullard and Minnewawa avenues in Clovis that closed in November will reopen as a Dollar General store with an emphasis on groceries.

Save Mart has 11 stores and four FoodMaxx stores left in the Fresno area.