USA | Ahold Delhaize’s U.S. brand, Stop & Shop, has announced the next steps in its plans to position the company for growth.
In addition to continuing to invest in price and the customer experience as part of its market growth strategy, Stop & Shop will close 32 underperforming stores by year-end.
It will continue to have a strong presence across its five-state footprint, with more than 350 stores following the closures. Associates at impacted locations will be offered other opportunities within the company.
“Stop & Shop is proud of the deep roots and community ties we have developed as a neighbourhood grocer of more than 100 years, and we remain committed to nourishing our associates, customers and communities,” said Gordon Reid, President of Stop & Shop.
As announced in May, the supermarket company has evaluated its overall store portfolio and made the difficult decision to close underperforming stores to create a healthy base for the brand's future growth.
“Our associates are a strong community dedicated to growing and working together, and all of our store associates will continue to have a place in the Stop & Shop family as we look forward to serving customers at other nearby locations.”
Stop & Shop will communicate specific store closing dates to local customers well before any store closures. It remains committed to serving its communities through other store locations, online shopping and home delivery services.
“Stop & Shop is focused on growing through large, multi-year price investments and a stronger customer value proposition, both in-store and online. This means we’ll be focused on delivering lower everyday prices and even more savings for our customers through strong promotions.”
Since 2018, the company has completed more than 190 store remodels with the customer shopping experience in mind. These stores outperformed other Stop & Shop stores that haven’t been remodelled.
“We’re taking this learning and implementing it at other stores as we build upon our firm foundation, similar to our new Boston flagship location, which opened last month in the Allston Yards development. We look forward to continuing to serve and care for our communities and growing Stop & Shop as a local brand for many years.”
After the store closures, Stop & Shop will operate more than 350 stores across five states, including 81 in Connecticut, 115 in Massachusetts, 47 in New Jersey, 91 in New York and 25 in Rhode Island. The 32 impacted store locations are anticipated to close by November.
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