Ahold Delhaize to close select underperforming Stop & Shop grocery stores this year

Ahold Delhaize is expected to close an undisclosed number of underperforming Stop & Shop grocery stores in the U.S. this year.

Ahold Delhaize declined to disclose the number of shops affected, saying it would do so later in the year, per a Reuters report, which noted that during a call with analysts the group's U.S. CEO JJ Fleeman said Stop & Shop has already evaluated its overall portfolio and will make difficult decisions to close underperforming stores to create a healthy store base for the long term.

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A Stop & Shop spokesperson contacted by Drug Store News provided this statement: "Stop & Shop continues to hold a strong market share position in the Northeast with our portfolio of nearly 400 stores. We've completed more than 190 remodels to date, which continue to perform well, and we're committed to continuing to invest in our stores—as well in our prices—to deliver a great in-store experience and great values for our customers. Stop & Shop will make some difficult decisions to close select underperforming store locations to help ensure the long-term health and future growth for our business." 

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