The Kansas City, Kansas, location of The Merc will close at the end of this year.

On Monday, the store notified the Unified Government of Kansas City of its intent to terminate its operating agreement at 501 Minnesota Ave. The location will close on Dec. 30, according to a news release Tuesday from The Merc.

“This decision is based on what’s best for the long-term viability of the co-op and the location’s financial performance,” the release said. “We have loved being a part of this community for the last half decade and thank those that have supported our co-op and shopped with us.”

Currently, 12 staff members are employed at The Merc’s Kansas City location. The store will explore “every opportunity to transition these dedicated employees to roles on our Lawrence team or to prepare them for placement elsewhere when the time comes,” the release said. “We are finalizing details to help all affected employees and will work with them on a plan for support and transition.”

The operating agreement termination applies to the Kansas City, Kansas, location only and does not impact the Lawrence location, the release said.