A.C. Moore, which operates 139 stores from Maine to Florida, didnot reveal where the targeted units are located. A statement fromthe company said only that they are located in "certain marketswhere [they] cannot achieve operating efficiencies." The companyhad closed a total of just three stores over the past twoyears.

"Store closings are extremely difficult decisions because of theeffect on our organization, our associates and our customers," saysRick Lepley, A.C. Moore's CEO, in a prepared statement. "However,we believe that these changes are necessary for the long-termprosperity of our company.

"Improving our overall level of execution at the store andcorporate level, installing state-of-the-art systems and optimizingour 'Nevada Class' store prototype are paramount at this time,"Lepley says. "In addition to our real estate strategy, we areconfident that continuing these initiatives will provide a solidfoundation for future store count growth."