Shaw's Supermarkets has announced it will close two of its locations in New England, as the grocery chain evaluates its performance and seeks to focus on consumer needs. The closures will affect the stores located at Railroad Avenue in Gloucester, Massachusetts, and Fort Eddy Road in Concord, New Hampshire. The announcement was made on March 12, 2025, signaling significant changes for the local shopping experience.
According to Shaw's Supermarkets, "Like all retailers, we're constantly evaluating the performance of our stores. Closing a location is always a tough decision, but we're focused on continuing to provide the products and services our customers value most." This decision highlights the company's commitment to adapting to market needs, though it also underlines the challenges retailers face as consumer preferences and economic realities shift.
The two stores set to close have been part of the local fabric for years, but Shaw's indicated they will strive to relocate all employees from the affected stores to nearby locations, mitigating the impact on staff. Shaw’s currently operates 54 stores across Massachusetts and 25 stores in New Hampshire. The store closures reflect broader trends impacting retailers across the country, particularly how the industry is recovering and reshaping itself post-pandemic.
These closures come at a time when Shaw's parent company, Albertsons, is grappling with its own challenges. Late last year, Albertsons abandoned plans for a merger with Kroger, which was met with resistance from regulators and courts. The attempted merger, valued at $24.6 billion, became embroiled in legal disputes, leading Albertsons to pursue legal action against Kroger, claiming the company did not adequately secure regulatory approval.
Albertsons' challenges are compounded by the fact it operates 21 Star Markets primarily located within eastern Massachusetts, emphasizing its significant footprint and rivalry with local grocery chains. Despite the closures, Shaw's continues to operate and market itself to consumers who are increasingly discerning about where to shop.
Community reaction to the closures has been mixed. While some customers express disappointment over losing familiar shopping locations, others are hopeful about the potential for newer, enhanced Shaw's locations nearby. For example, there remains another Shaw's outlet on D'Amante Drive in Concord, which may help absorb some of the displaced customers from the Fort Eddy Road location.
These developments also prompt reflection on the competition within the grocery market, which has intensified, especially with retailers like Kroger focusing on their operations regionally. It’s noteworthy to mention Kroger currently has no stores located within the northeast, where Shaw's operates extensively.
Shaw's efforts to concentrate on performance evaluation and customer services are indicative of broader trends where retailers must pivot and adapt their strategies based on performance metrics. A spokesperson for the grocery chain reassured customers of their dedication to service and quality, hoping to ease the transition with relocating employees and reshaping store offerings at other locations.
For now, Shaw's targets its operations to adapt to the areas of highest demand, hopeful those close to the affected locations will visit other nearby outlets as they phase out the stores on Railroad Avenue and Fort Eddy Road.
While Shaw's embraces change through these closures, many community members will be watching closely to see how this affects not only shopping options but local employment and the regional grocery market as competition continues to evolve.
The impacts of these closures will reverberate throughout Gloucester and Concord, affecting not just regular shoppers but also those who rely on Shaw's for their employment and groceries. The decisions by Shaw's reflect the growing trend toward consolidation within the grocery sector, as companies navigate shifting consumer needs and business challenges.