The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. (A&P) announced that it has filed a motion with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York seeking approval to close 14 stores in four states as the company prepares to emerge from Chapter 11. The store closures are expected to be completed in the company’s fiscal first quarter, subject to court approval.

A&P president and CEO Sam Martin said, “We are continuing to take the steps necessary to position A&P to emerge from Chapter 11 with a strong future and ensure that we remain focused on our top priority — providing great value and service to our customers every day. As part of our preparations to emerge from Chapter 11, we have decided to close these 14 underperforming locations. While this was a very difficult decision that will unfortunately impact some of our customers, partners, associates and the surrounding communities, these actions are absolutely necessary as we continue to strengthen A&P’s operating foundation and improve our performance.”

As part of the store closing process, A&P will work to facilitate future store assignments based on associates’ collective bargaining agreements. The company will also encourage loyal customers to shop at its other neighborhood stores in close proximity to the closing store locations.

According to Supermarket News, the stores include:

  • Six Pathmark locations: East Islip and Mt. Vernon, NY; Manahawkin, Kearney and Egg Harbor Township, NJ; and Upper Moreland, PA.

  • Three A&P stores: Danbury, CT; and Garfield and Bayonne, NJ.

  • Five Waldbaums: West Babylon, Rockville Centre, Lake Ronkonkoma, Huntington Station and Commack, NY.

    Founded in 1859, A&P is one of the nation’s first supermarket chains. The company operates 336 stores in six states under the following trade names: A&P, Waldbaum’s, Pathmark, Best Cellars, The Food Emporium, Superfresh and Food Basics.

    Previously on abfjournal.com:

    A&P Files Bankruptcy-Exit Plan Based on Yucaipa, Goldman Financing, Tuesday, November 15, 2011