MALIBU — HOWS Market has closed down and has been replaced by an independent store, Vintage Grocer, at the Trancas Country Market at 30745 Pacific Coast Highway. On Wednesday, January 8, several banners were displayed on the storefront, publicizing the replacement.

HOWS, is a small supermarket chain that has been known for its surfer decor and deep discounts for locals that closed down on August 16, 2011. The chain was founded in 1999 and in 2000, HOWS opened in Malibu. In 2010, the Torrance and Granada HOWS locations closed down; currently, the only HOWS store that remains in business is located in Pasadena.

In 2012, Erewhon Natural Grocers, another LA-based independently owned grocery store, had agreed in principle to set up their store in HOWS’s place, but canceled the agreement in September 2013 because of construction delays.

A soft opening for Vintage Grocer is tentatively set for February 19, and an official opening on March 1. It was originally anticipated to open in January, but the opening was delayed during the holiday season. Although it is not clear how many people the new store will employ, a management team is expected to begin the hiring process in the next few weeks.