Southern States Cooperative has announced that it is closing seven retail locations in North Georgia, including its store at 869 Grove St., Gainesville, by late July. “Following the store closings ... Southern States products will be available in the region through wholesale distribution and an expanding network of independent dealers,” states a Monday press release from the company. “We’ve launched a significant new growth strategy that will focus on high potential agricultural markets for our future and the future of farmers who own Southern States,” said Tom Scribner, Southern States president and CEO.“Unfortunately, that strategy requires closing a small number of outlets in markets that are not as well positioned for future growth.”