Just last week I posted a photo on how HOWS Market--

...had slowly--

...transformed into the future home of an Erehwon Natural Foods.

Too slowly, as it turns out. According to this week's Malibu Times, due to repeated construction delays, Erehwon has changed its mind.

"Unfortunately ... delays of the development of the shopping center have caused the issue," Erewhon CEO Tony Antoci told The Malibu Times on Wednesday last week. "[The store] was supposed to open six months ago."

As of Monday the exterior infrastructure and pilings were completed in the 16,000-square-foot space, but interior floorings and furnishings were yet to be installed.

With Erewhon out of the picture, the leasing agent for the center has vowed to have a grocery store in place by January 2014.

"It's going to be better than Erewhon," said leasing agent Tony Dorn.

While Dorn would not name a potential replacement, plenty of rumors have been floating around town. Many residents are crossing their fingers for Trader Joe's or Sprouts, while others have heard that the Trancas Center owners will attempt to open their own grocery store. Center co-owner Paige Dubbert is the daughter of Walmart heiress Nancy Walton Laurie. Dorn and Scott Rozier, who is overseeing the renovation and expansion of the shopping center, refused to comment on those rumors.

It's all of five miles to Pavilions at Point Dume, and another five to Ralphs. Not exactly a food desert.