SHOPPERS have shared their frustration with Stop & Shop’s decision to close some stores after the company made major changes to try to combat competition.
The supermarket chain has announced that it will close underperforming stores in an effort to improve the chain’s performance.
The news didn’t come as a surprise to some shoppers who criticized the supermarket chain for raising prices.
“Stop and Shop is one of the most expensive supermarkets compared to others,” said one Facebook Commentator he wrote.
“I’ve been shopping there for years, maybe for convenience, because it’s easier for me to catch a bus than to take a taxi home.”
“They need to be more competitive with other supermarkets.”
Other comments on a post about the store’s planned closure echoed complaints about rising supermarket prices.
“In recent years they have become the most expensive supermarket,” one shopper posted.
“They wrote their own death.”
While some blamed prices for the store’s decline, others insisted it was because of increased competition.
They pointed to the popularity of German supermarket chain Aldi.
“Everyone is at Aldi,” wrote one commenter.
“I buy most of my groceries at Aldi,” another shopper posted.
EFFORTS TO KEEP FLOATING
The chain took several steps to try to combat competition in the years before the upcoming closures were announced.
Remodeled over 190 stores since 2018, local ABC affiliate WTNH reported.
These stores are now outperforming other locations that have not undergone the same renovations, said the chain’s parent company, Dutch company Ahold Delhaize.
Stop & Shop also updated its loyalty program, added more online offers and improved its operational efficiency.
JJ Fleeman, CEO of Ahold Delhaize, said the company will now focus on strengthening its relationships with East Coast customers.
The chain, which has 400 stores across the Northeast, has not yet released the complete list of how many Stop & Shop stores will close
To strengthen relationships in the region, the company plans to increase price reductions and renovate stores.
“Stop & Shop has already assessed its global portfolio and will make difficult decisions to close underperforming stores to create a healthy store base over the long term,” said Delhaize.
The company’s restructuring will include an overhaul of the organizational structure, ensuring that all shelves are well stocked and offering a better shopping experience.
Stop & Shop statement on store closures
During Ahold Delzhaize’s Strategy Day, Stop & Shop’s parent company announced that underperforming stores will close.
“Stop & Shop has already evaluated its global portfolio and will make difficult decisions to close underperforming stores to create a healthy long-term store base and grow the brand,” said the company’s US CEO, JJ Fleeman.
The company told CBS affiliate WBZ“It is too early in the process to share any additional information about potential store closures.”
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