Stop & Shop to close an unspecified number of stores across Northeast

Stop & Shop is set to shutter several of its outlets due to dwindling sales, with several stores across the Northeast expected to close permanently.

The grocery chain, headquartered in Massachusetts, has confirmed it will be closing an unspecified number of stores labeled as “underperforming”.

A spokesperson for Stop and Shop announced: “Stop and 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.”

This year has already seen Dollar Tree planning to shut down 600 of its shops, with inflation and theft being named as key reasons. This month also witnessed Red Lobster filing for bankruptcy, leading to the closure of nearly 50 establishments across the US.

With a network of nearly 400 stores spanning Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, Stop and Shop has not disclosed which specific stores are on the chopping block or the exact number facing closure, reports the New York Post.

At a recent investor conference, JJ Fleeman, the CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA, which owns Stop and Shop, emphasized the need to discard the less successful stores to improve the overall health of the chain, according to the Asbury Park Press.

“Stop and 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.”

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In a move to maintain a robust store base and foster growth, “Stop and 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 revamped over 190 stores so far.

“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,” the company told Asbury Park Press.

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