Local A&P to Close in October

A source has confirmed that the Maplewood A&P Food Store on Valley Street will close sometime in October.

A vice president of human resources visited the store today to inform employees about the decision. A&P is closing 25 stores this fall. The decision regarding the Mapleowod store is reportedly due to its proximity to Pathmark—as the two chains are now under the same ownership. The source reports that Maplewood A&P employees will be transferred rather than lose their jobs.

Maplewood Vice Mayor Kathy Leventhal had this comment about the announced closure: "We've heard a few times in the past that A&P was to close. If they do, some of us will miss the leisurely pace of the store, good wine prices and chicken salad. That said, if the property is sold to a non-supermarket, the opportunities for redevelopment seem endless."

Maplewood A&P Food Store manager Gary Buckley was unavailable for comment as he is on vacation. A substitute manager declined to comment. Patch is awaiting a return call from the A&P corporate office in Montvale, NJ.

A&P operates 429 stores in eight states and the District of Columbia, including A&P, Waldbaum's, Pathmark, Pathmark Sav-a-Center, Best Cellars, The Food Emporium, Super Foodmart, Super Fresh and Food Basics.