A well-known grocery chain with 397 locations confirms it will close another store in days after city begs for assistance
According to The Sun, Stop & Shop has confirmed the closure of its Worcester, Massachusetts store, with the final day of operation set for November 2. Despite significant efforts from city officials to keep the store open, the decision is final, as announced by Stephanie Cunha, the company’s regional retail communications leader.
Impact on Employees and Customers
In her statement to MassLive, Cunha emphasized that the closure would not affect the company’s commitment to its employees. Those working at the Worcester location will have the option to transfer to the remaining Stop & Shop stores in the city, located at 940 West Boylston Street and 949 Grafton Street. “Retaining our team of incredible associates has been a priority for us,” Cunha said, noting that employees would be offered opportunities at nearby stores.
The company plans to inform customers of the exact closure date through store signage, weekly circulars, and customer emails well in advance of November 2.
City’s Efforts and Community Reactions
City officials had been actively seeking ways to prevent the closure, including a private meeting held in July with Stop & Shop representatives. Despite these efforts, the store will shut its doors as scheduled.
The closure is part of a broader trend, with Worcester’s Stop & Shop being one of eight locations in Massachusetts to close by the end of 2024. Other affected locations include stores in Brockton, Halifax, Newton, Pembroke, Raynham, Shrewsbury, and Springfield. The closures are part of a larger reduction affecting 32 Stop & Shop stores across Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.
Customer Reactions and Concerns
The news of the closure has sparked a range of reactions from local customers on social media. Some users attributed the store’s closure to crime and theft in the area. “City needs to work on making that area better, otherwise more businesses will continue to close,” one comment read. Another noted, “This is the second store in that area that has closed due to losses from stealing.”
Others suggested that competition from stores like Aldi and Market Basket played a role in the closure. “Competition is good. Aldi came in and won. End of story,” one shopper commented. Another added, “Market Basket has more features with cheaper prices. If they wanted to stay relevant, they should have adapted.”
As Worcester faces the loss of its Stop & Shop location, residents and officials alike continue to grapple with the implications for the community and local businesses.
