Shaw's closing 5 stores in Mass & RI

WEST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. - The economic downturn has claimed another victim. Shaw's Supermarkets announced Wednesday it plans to close five stores in the coming weeks.

The following stores are slated to closed no later than Feb. 17 of this year:

Massachusetts

• 500 Kings Highway New Bedford, Mass.
• 99 Main Street, Stoneham, Mass.
• 209 Revere Beach Parkway, Revere, Mass.

Rhode Island

• 1500 Bald Hill Road, Warwick, R.I.
• 1493 Hartford Ave., Johnston, R.I.

In a statement, Shaw's said it's closing the stores because of a competitive market and the difficult economic environment.

"While the decision to close a store is always difficult—given the impact on associates and customers— these were made only after careful evaluation and were guided by what is best for Shaw’s long-term growth and success as a whole," the statement read.

The company did not release how many workers would be out of a job. However, it did say it would move employees to open positions at other stores where possible.

Shaw's has 174 stores in New England and is owned by Minneapolis-based Supervalu Inc.