The firm, which operates 406 stores in nine states and theDistrict of Columbia, under brands such as A&P, Sav-A-Centerand Waldbaum's, has been working for two years to get rid of theFarmer Jack chain, which it acquired in 1989. In April, Eric Claus,president and CEO, said in the firm's fourth quarter reportstatement that the decision is for the best, "given the region'sdifficult economy, and A&P's focus on the development andupcoming expansion of our business in the Northeast." A companyspokesman did not return phone calls for this story.

Now, industry experts such as Wisconsin-based supermarketanalyst David Livingston says that the company will have buyers forthe remaining 46 stores in "probably the next few weeks. Whatdoesn't get taken over will sit vacant, but most will be replacedby new owners."

He says this sell-off is not unusual, as "plain vanillagrocery-store operators" have been shutting down underperformingchains for years. "Look at stores such as Albertsons," Livingstontells GlobeSt.com. "They're not able to compete with the giantssuch as Wal-Mart, Kroger and Meijer in areas like Detroit," hesays.