A&P Selling 25 Super Fresh Stores

The bankrupt Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. (A&P) announced plans to sell 25 Super Fresh grocery stores. The 25 locations include 22 in Maryland, two in Delaware and one in Washington, DC. Any sales resulting from the proposed bidding process are expected to be completed by mid-June, subject to court approval.

 

 "The Company has been working hard to implement our turnaround strategy since last year," says Sam Martin, president and CEO of A&P. "As part of our ongoing review of our store footprint, we determined that these 25 Super Fresh locations are outside A&P’s core market. While the decision to put these non-core stores up for sale will unfortunately impact some of our customers, partners, communities and Associates, this is a necessary step in our efforts to restore the Company to long-term financial health."

 

A&P filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December 2010 after struggling under the impact of fierce competition in the grocery arena, the recession's effects and debt from its purchase of Pathmark stores. The chain, which operates 395 stores in eight states under the A&P, Waldbaum's, Pathmark, Best Cellars, The Food Emporium, Super Fresh and Food Basics banners, had announced in February it would close 32 stores in six states as part of its turnaround strategy.

 

For related content: A&P Closing 32 More Stores