How on Earth is closing its doors this winter for the first time in its four-year history.

The one-stop-shop for local and organic food will, however, make a few changes after its doors close Dec. 24.

“We’ve stayed open in the past to be here for our customers,” says owner and Marion resident Margie Baldwin. “But it’s hard to stick to our mission of providing a market for farmers and supplying local food when everything is so slow during the winter.”

Baldwin says the time off will give the store a chance to re-image itself before the April 5 reopening.

“America is all about convenience,” she says. “And we understand that. But we want people to see that going to big-name stores isn’t good for the community or for their diet. People are amazed at how different and flavorful our products are, because they’re fresh and seasonal and homegrown. You won’t get that at Shaw’s.”

Baldwin also says the store will put more emphasis on prepared foods and hosting seasonal dinners or chef specials.

“We’ve been here four years, and people still don’t know what we are. They think we’re a restaurant, a farm stand or even a community-supported agriculture network. But we’re about local food, bulk grocery products and teaching sustainability.”

Culinary director and Mattapoisett resident Colin Bradley says How on Earth will host educational workshops on Thursdays as well as new classes and a butcher program.

“How on Earth is a place were local farmers and entrepreneurs have a market,” Bradley says.

Store manager and New Bedford resident Sarah Brown says the time off will be a chance to “take a breather” and gear up for another year.

“With How on Earth, the money stays in the community,” she says. “We want to expand our line and become the go-to place. If we’re not a one-stop shop, people will go to the bigger stores.”

The store will host a “Winter Meat CSA” with Thursday pick up starting in January. Sign up is available through Dec. 24.

Baldwin says special orders can be made through How on Earth after Dec. 24 as well.

“A lot of people rely on us for certain products,” she says. “Whatever you need, we’ll get it for you.”

Click the link below to view How on Earth's closing announcement.