Stop & Shop to close 32 underperforming stores: here’s where

Stop & Shop has announced the closure of 32 underperforming stores across the Northeast.

The grocery chain will shutter the stores by the end of the year, it said Friday. The list includes 10 stores in New Jersey, eight stores in Massachusetts, seven stores in New York, five stores in Connecticut and two stores in Rhode Island.

The affected stores have been offered jobs elsewhere within the company, AP reports. Stop & Shop did not share the exact number of employees at the stores.

• Walmart shoppers fume over 'lack of common sense' after self-checkout change
• Walmart upsets Gen Z shoppers after removing self-service checkout

A spokesperson for the chain said in a statement in May: “Stop & Shop will make some difficult decisions to close select underperforming store locations to help ensure the long-term health and future growth for our business.”

Stop & Shop operates nearly 400 stores across its home state, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island.

The company previously announced it wanted to strengthen the brand by closing underperforming stores and remodelling the remaining ones. It also wanted to increase the number of store-brand products it offers and reduce prices.

At a recent meeting for investors, JJ Fleeman, CEO of parent company Ahold Delhaize USA, said the company needs to let go of poor performers in order to help the health of the chain, the Asbury Park Press reports.

"Stop & Shop will focus on the markets that are most important, including those where the brand has strong density, holds a strong market position or has stores that are performing well.

"Stop & Shop has already evaluated its overall portfolio and will make difficult decisions to close underperforming stores to create a healthy store base for the long term and grow the brand."

The chain has remodeled more than 190 stores to date.

"We've completed more than 190 remodels to date, which continue to perform well, and we're committed to continuing to invest in our stores — as well in our prices — to deliver a great in-store experience and great values for our customers," it said in a statement to Asbury Park Press.