Stop & Shop, a major grocery chain in the Northeastern United States, has announced plans to close 32 underperforming stores across New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. The closures are expected to take place before November 2nd. According to Stop & Shop President Gordon Reid, the decision was made based on what is working for the company as much as what isn't.
Since 2018, Stop & Shop has completed over 190 store remodels with a focus on improving the customer shopping experience. The remodeled stores have outperformed those that haven't been updated. However, despite these efforts, some locations have continued to underperform.
The following New York locations will be closed: 2965 Cropsey Ave., Brooklyn and 132 Fulton Ave., Hempstead. In addition to these closures in New York, Stop & Shop will also shutter stores in Greenvale, Coram, Mt. Vernon (Jamaica), West Haverstraw (Rockland County), Carlstadt (New Jersey), Edison, Franklin Township, Howell, Jackson, Phillipsburg (New Jersey), Piscataway and Point Pleasant Beach.
Stop & Shop employs 58,000 people. Workers impacted by the closures will be offered other opportunities within the company. The company also plans to communicate specific store closing dates to local customers well in advance of any store closures and continue offering online shopping and home delivery services.
The reasons for these closures are not clear, but it is known that Stop & Shop has faced increased competition from discount chains like Aldi and Lidl, as well as big-box retailers like Walmart and Costco. Industry experts suggest that Stop & Shop's pricing is up to 14% more expensive than its competitors, making it a less attractive option for inflation-battered shoppers.
The closures come at a time when the grocery industry is undergoing significant changes due to the pandemic and shifting consumer preferences. Many shoppers have sought out cheaper alternatives during this time, putting pressure on traditional supermarkets like Stop & Shop to adapt or risk losing market share.