NORTH BERGEN AND BEYOND – Earlier this month, a company that owns numerous supermarket chains announced that it would be closing its North Bergen Pathmark location, as well as 25 other stores in five states.
According to the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc.’s press release, the affected stores include locations that are in close proximity to other stores, are facing real estate and cost problems and/or are underperforming. The company also owns A&P, Waldbaum’s, The Food Emporium, Super Fresh and Food Basics.
According to press reports, these closures include nine Pathmark’s in New Jersey. The North Bergen store, located at 69th and Tonnelle Avenue, is slated to close by the end of October, said reports.
“As part of our turnaround, we have initiated a detailed review of our store footprint and have decided to close these 25 locations,” said A&P President and Chief Executive Office Sam Martin.
He continued, “While this was a very difficult decision that will unfortunately impact some of our customers, partners, communities and employees, these actions are absolutely necessary to strengthen A&P’s operating foundation and improve our performance going forward. We will help our affected colleagues pursue other positions across the company should open positions be available.”
Martin said that the decision was made so that they could turn the company around for a “strong future,” by reducing locations, while renovating and making their other stores more efficient. He said that the company would encourage shoppers to visit other nearby stores.
The company operates four other Pathmark stores in Hudson County, including two in Jersey City, one in Weehawken, and another in Kearny. – Tricia Tirella