Superior Markets, Incorporated, operates three stores in a large metropolitan area. A segmented absorption costing income statement for the company for the last quarter is given below:

Superior Markets, Incorporated

Income Statement For the Quarter Ended September 30

Total North Store South Store East Store Sales $ 3,720,000 $ 892,800 $ 1,488,000 $ 1,339,200

Cost of goods sold 2,054,928 499,968 818,400 736,560

Gross margin 1,665,072 392,832 669,600 602,640

Selling and administrative expenses:

Selling expenses 1,013,080 286,936 390,600 335,544 Administrative expenses 474,920 131,440 187,116 156,364 Total expenses 1,488,000 418,376 577,716 491,908 Net operating income (loss) $ 177,072 $ (25,544) $ 91,884 $ 110,732

The North Store has consistently shown losses over the past two years. For this reason, management is giving consideration to closing the store. The company has asked you to make a recommendation as to whether the store should be closed or kept open. The following additional information is available for your use: