A shroud of disbelief hung over Toledo and Maumee today as Toledo area consumers were forced to digest the news that the two general stores operated by The Andersons will no longer be around by summer.

“Everybody I know is just really really upset. I think we should protest,” said Julie Cody, a resident of Monclova Township who said she has been a loyal customer of The Andersons since 1977.

Joe Beckler, of Waterville, was in a similar state of denial, hoping that the decision announced Sunday somehow could be reversed.

“We’re hoping that someone will step in and take over the retail operations,” said Mr. Beckler, a loyal Andersons customer “since I was able to drive a car.”

The Andersons, a Monclova Township agribusiness that operates grain, ethanol, rail, plant nutrient, and retail units, said Sunday it will eliminate its money-losing retail division, which has incurred $20 million in losses the last eight years. It said it would close its two Toledo area stores and two stores in Columbus in the second quarter. The move means 1,050 employees, including nearly 600 in the Toledo area, will lose their jobs.

The company said it plans to sell the two Columbus stores and its store in West Toledo on Talmadge Road. But it will keep its Maumee property for other uses.

Business will continue as usual through March, after which the stores will go into liquidation mode and remain open until all merchandise is gone.

First Published January 16, 2017, 10:27 p.m.