Mass Layoffs Expected As ShopRite Store In Waterbury Announces Closing

WATERBURY, CT — ShopRite will close its store at 943 Wolcott St. in Waterbury, according to documents from the state Department of Labor. The store is scheduled to close permanently Nov. 11.

The move will impact 203 employees, who will be terminated, according to the document. The layoffs affect a wide range of employees, from managers to accountants and cashiers.

The store does not have a union. ShopRite stated it will work "to find alternative employment for the affected employees at other grocery stores in the area."

The document states that the store is closing "due to economic business reasons."

A Facebook post from ShopRite Waterbury states that the owner and operator is retiring.

The post reads: "After 40 years of serving the Waterbury community, Paul Tornaquindici owner and operator of the ShopRite of Waterbury, has decided to retire and the store will be closing in the coming months.

"We appreciate the support of the community and thank you for the opportunity to be of service to you. Our associates will have the opportunity to interview for positions at other ShopRite stores. We hope you will visit the nearby ShopRite of Bristol."

The post garnered 213 reactions and 302 comments.

One user wrote: "I really can't believe this store is closing. What a terrible loss to Waterbury. Shop Rite is the only place that has the best deals. We come out of there will a carriage full of groceries for half the price of Stop and Shop. This truly is sad for the community. "

See also: Another Denny's Location In CT Closes After More Than 45 Years In Business

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ShopRite and Price Rite are part of a statewide hiring spree, with stores holding a company-wide job fair coming up Sept. 17.

See related: ShopRite And Price Rite On Hiring Spree At Most CT Stores