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Stop & Shop says it will close stores, but not which ones
A spokesperson told Boston.com it is “too early” to share information about which stores will be closed.
Stop & Shop announced last week that several stores would be closing, but did not provide information on whether stores in Massachusetts would be impacted.
The “difficult” decision to close underperforming stores was announced May 23 at the Investor Day of the grocery chain’s parent company Ahold Delhaize.
“Stop and Shop has already evaluated its portfolio and will make difficult decisions to close underperforming stores to create a healthy store base for the long term and grow the brand,” said JJ Fleeman, CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA.
In response to questions about whether Massachusetts stores would be impacted by the closures, and if so which ones, a spokesperson for the grocery store chain said “It is too early in the process to share any further information about any potential closures.”
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Fleeman said that while Stop & Shop’s e-commerce model has been outperforming other stores under the parent company, the improvement is not enough to stave off closures.
“That’s not enough, and it’s not where we want to be or need to be,” Fleeman said.
Stop & Shop has about 400 stores concentrated in the northeastern U.S., with about 125 in Massachusetts. Executives said last week the company would focus on securing a “stable future” for the brand and focus on stores that are doing well.
“Stop and Shop has done a thorough evaluation and is focused on ensuring a stable and thriving future, which includes investments in price and customer service, along with optimizing the portfolio to focus on core markets where it can win,” Fleeman said.
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About 190 stores have undergone remodels in recent years, the company said in a statement to Boston.com. Remodeled stores have been outperforming others, Fleeman said at the Investor Day.
“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,” a spokesperson for the grocery store chain told Boston.com.
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