Albertsons has revealed it plans to close seven of its stores in Texas next month, including five in the Dallas area, according to a report by The Dallas Morning News.
“Over the last several years, we have put our best efforts into repositioning these stores to better compete in the market place,” Christine Wilcox, Albertsons spokesperson, told the publication. “Unfortunately, we haven't been able to do so.”
The retailer said it expects the outlets in Carrollton, Garland, Richardson, Plano and Southlake to close around 20 February. Liquidation sales are already underway.
North Texas is reportedly one of the most competitive retail areas in the nation, with more Walmart Supercenters and Neighborhood Market stores than any major US market, giving Wal-Mart Stores the largest market share in the area.
Kroger is the number two retailer in north Texas, having made an aggressive approach to expansion in the area; recently opening three 123,000m2 Marketplace stores.
Last year, Aldi also entered the region with 29 stores, and plans to add 12 additional stores this year, The Morning News reported, while Target has remodelled 15 of its local stores to include more food aisles.
After the latest closures, Albertsons will operate 80 supermarkets in Texas, including 54 in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
