It's pretty obvious that the new Market Basket pushed Shaw's over the edge in New Bedford...
http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view/20110105shaws_to_close_5_stores_in_mass_and_ri/srvc=business&position=also
WEST BRIDGEWATER â€" Shaw’s Supermarkets has announced that it will close five unprofitable stores in Massachusetts and Rhode Island by the middle of next month.
The company said in a statement that it decided "only after careful evaluation" to close the stores. The Massachusetts stores are in New Bedford, Stoneham and Revere. The Rhode Island locations are in Johnston, and on Bald Hill Road in Warwick.
The stores will be closed by Feb. 17.
The statement said the closings are the result of "the competitive markets we operate in, and today’s difficult economic environment."
The company did not say how many workers are affected, but said when possible, they will be moved to open positions at other Shaw’s.
Shaw’s, which runs 174 stores in New England, is owned by Minneapolis-based Supervalu Inc.
Shame to see the Stoneham store go. I used to visit this location when it was a movie theater so it was kind of strange/nice to have a Supermarket in there.
On the plus side, it looks like PriceRite/ShopRite, Big Y, Price Chopper and Market Basket are stepping into the void. And who knows what Wegmans has planned beyond the one store they've announced so far.