Stop & Shop and 7-Eleven Close Stores Amid Restructuring

Stop & Shop, owned by Ahold Delhaize, is closing 32 stores in the Northeast to streamline operations, including eight locations in Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey, while aiming to maintain over 350 operational stores in the region. The closures have prompted local concerns, particularly in areas dependent on these stores for daily necessities, but the company assures that affected employees will be offered positions at other locations. As part of broader retail restructuring, 7-Eleven is closing 444 stores across North America due to inflation and declining cigarette sales but plans to open 600 new 'New Standard' stores with enhanced food offerings by 2027. Stop & Shop's closures include those in Brockton, Raynham, Halifax, Shrewsbury, Worcester, and Pembroke, with closures anticipated as soon as Halloween. This move follows an initial announcement in May aimed at positioning the company for growth, and it will still operate over 350 stores in the region post-closure. Remaining groceries from closing Stop & Shop locations will be donated to local food banks.