HEADING OUT: ‘Surprised it lasted this long,’ cry Stop & Shop fans as 9 locations to shut in single state with weeks left to visit

According to THE SUN, Shoppers were not surprised by the recent announcement of multiple Stop & Shop store closures in New Jersey, as many had anticipated the closures would occur sooner. However, customers still have a few weeks to gather their essentials before the doors close for good.

Nationwide Closures Confirmed

In July, Stop & Shop confirmed it would be shutting down 32 locations nationwide by the end of 2024, with at least 10 of those stores located in New Jersey. According to the supermarket chain, residents in the Garden State will have until November 2 to shop before these locations close permanently. Some stores may shut down earlier than this date, as evidenced by a Philipsburg location that recently closed on September 9 after its closing date was moved up to October 23, according to TAPinto. Managers at that store reported they were running out of food and merchandise faster than anticipated, raising concerns for customers at the remaining locations.

Community Reactions

The impending closures have elicited mixed feelings from shoppers. One customer expressed surprise that the store had lasted so long, given the competition from Target next door and Walmart directly across the street. Another shopper lamented the closures, stating they were a frequent visitor to their local Stop & Shop. Conversely, some expressed satisfaction with the news, with one frustrated shopper commenting, “Good riddance.”

Stop & Shop has reassured that all employees affected by the closures at the nine stores in New Jersey will have the option to transfer within the company. Despite these shutdowns, the chain will maintain 48 operational stores across the state.

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Future Plans and Commitments

The remaining closures for this year will affect Stop & Shop locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island. Gordon Reid, president of Stop & Shop, emphasized the brand’s commitment to serving communities where stores will remain open. “Stop & Shop is proud of the deep roots and community ties we have developed as a neighborhood grocer of more than 100 years, and we remain committed to nourishing our associates, customers, and communities,” he stated in a summer press release.

Reid noted that the 32 closing stores were “underperforming” and that their closure is part of a strategy to create a healthier foundation for the future growth of Stop & Shop. He acknowledged that the company was “not where we want to be” in terms of performance.

Wider Retail Challenges

Shoppers may see a wave of closures across other popular retailers due to recent bankruptcy filings. Big Lots has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, leading to the shutdown of 315 locations across 35 states. Similarly, LL Flooring plans to change its name and close over 200 locations following a quiet bankruptcy filing in August. As the retail landscape continues to shift, customers will have to adapt to these changes in their shopping options.