Barnegat's A&P One of 32 in Chain Slated for Closure

The grocery scene in Barnegat is changing again. The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company announced on Tuesday that Barnegat's A&P is one of 32 stores owned by the parent company scheduled for closure.

The Montvale-based company announced Tuesday it would close A&P, Pathmark, Superfresh and Waldbaums stores in six states this spring as part of a financial restructuring following bankruptcy.

Local United Food and Commercial Workers 464A President John T. Niccollai says the union was notified Tuesday morning that the store would be shuttered. By Tuesday afternoon union representatives had assembled, and visited the store to inform employees of the closing.

Niccollai says the employees were devestated to learn the news.

"It's bad enough to lose your job in a good economy with full employement levels, but we're not at that point," he said. "It's definitely a dismal feeling."

No date for the store's closing has been announced, but company bankruptcy hearings will take place on March 8.

The closing of the store will affect 42 members of the UFCW 464A Union. Eleven members are full-time employees, while 31 members are part-time. Employees affected by the closure will be allowed to transfer to another store based on seniority. The union will now work with the company to negotiate employee benefits,  including payment for sick time and a severance package.

As she loaded groceries into her car in the A&P parking lot Thursday morning, Barnegat resident Cindy Philipp said she felt for the store's employees. She worked for ACME grocery stores for 30 years, she said, and went through two store closings before taking a buyout.

"I know how hard it is," said Philipp. "It's a terrible thing to have to do. The worst part is having to say goodbye  – it's like your family."

Philipp, who lives in Settlers Landing, said she and her husband, Don, would miss the A&P's convenience and low prices. "We come here a lot," she said. "It's a nice little store."

Carl DiSalvo, who lives just down Bayshore Drive from the grocery store in the Crosswinds development, said he'd miss the store.

"This is where I go for everything," he siad. "I've been coming here a long time."

DiSalvo said the A&P offers more discounts than other local stores. "You save a lot of money here," he said. Now, he said, he'll have to drive further – to ShopRite in Lacey Township – and pay more.

In a prepared statement, A&P said the decision to close the 32 locations was difficult, but necessary.

"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."

Niccollai blames poor company management for the closing. "The company blames under performance in these stores, but that's not the case," he said. "These stores have been poorly managed for decades. The employees did nothing wrong."

A&P says it remains dedicated to the employees who were affected by the closure. "We will help our affected colleagues pursue other positions across the Company should open positions be available," the company said in a prepared statement. At the same time, the company maintains the closings will make it stronger. "We are moving forward aggressively to make strategic decisions that will position A&P for a strong future," the statement said.