Valley Stream Waldbaums to close

The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. is awaiting approval to close 32 of its stores, including the Valley Stream Waldbaums, after filing a motion with the United States Bankruptcy Court last month.

As part of its “turnaround” strategy, the Montvale, N.J. company that owns the store on Merrick Road plans to complete the closures on Long Island and six other states by the end of its quarter in April, subject to court approval. “As part of our turnaround and our ongoing review of our store footprint, we have decided to close these 32 locations,” said Sam Martin, A&P president and chief executive officer. “While this was a very difficult decision that will unfortunately impact some of our customers, partners, communities and employees, these actions are absolutely necessary as we work to strengthen A&P’s operating foundation and improve our performance.”

Other Long Island stores slated to close include a Waldbaums in Smithtown and a Pathmark store in Commack. The store closures are a result of the company’s new restructuring plan, Martin explained. The business plan called for representatives to review each of the stores to identify unprofitable locations.The A&P company operates 395 stores in the state, including A&P and The Food Emporium, and each was study for the potential for profits and rehabilitation.

The financial impact of each store closure was compared to the projected amount that would be earned after a store’s potential rehabilitation, representatives also said. They also considered projected operating costs, impacts from actions of competitors like store openings and remodeling, and what amount of federal money would be spent to maintain the stores. Debtors concluded that the 32 stores could not be “feasibly rehabilitated,” according to the company’s court motion, including the Valley Stream supermarket.

In closing the stores, the company estimates approximately $24 million in earnings’ improvement. However, it will lose several people for its current 40,688 employees. Martin said the company wants to assist those employees in finding other work. “We will help our affected colleagues pursue other positions across the company should open positions be available,” he said.

And as part of this process, the company encourages loyal customers to shop at its other stores in nearby communities. “Even as we reduce our store base and drive efficiencies across our company, we continue to take other important steps to enhance our customers’ overall shopping experience, including upgrading our private label brands,” Martin said. “We are moving forward aggressively to make strategic decisions that will position A&P for a strong future.”

For residents who are customers, this move could mean more business for King Kullen, which is also on Merrick Road.

“It’s a shame that a food store would close,” said Toni Holder. “Where will the neighborhood people and the seniors shop?”

Others thought the store closing could bring positive changes to the village. “I’m sure that the neighborhood needs a food store…smaller scale of Trader Joe’s would be nice for the folks on that end,” said Tina Torres.

Regina Mazzei agreed that a Trader Joe’s would be a welcome addition. And so did Victor Milone. “I think they should start over and fix it up,” he said.

And with that transition involving the store closure, Deputy Village Clerk Robert Fumagalli said the village is not sure what would go at the multi-square-foot site yet, but positive improvement is welcomed.