Southeastern Grocers is once again reducing its footprint and laying off employees.
Thursday the Jacksonville-based grocery chain told employees it was closing 22 of its stores, although none of them are in the Jacksonville area.
Thirteen BI-LOs, seven Winn-Dixes and two Harveys Supermarkets will be closing.
"The successful execution of our strategy will at times require us to make difficult decisions that may impact some of our associates. We are committed to ensuring all associates are treated with the dignity, respect and compassion they deserve. They were the first to know of this decision and have our dedicated support during this transition," Southeastern Grocers spokesman Joe Caldwell told WJCT News Thursday.
Southeastern Grocers did not immediately disclose the number of employees being laid off or the locations of the stores being closed, other than say they are not in "the greater Jacksonville area."
Last year Southeastern Grocers went through a prepackaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization that allowed it to reduce its debt by half.
As part of the restructuring, Southeastern Grocers had to close 94 stores and sell others.
Before being acquired by Southeastern Grocers, Winn-Dixie also went through two bankruptcy reorganizations.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
