Discount supermarket launches closing down sale after 'incredibly painful' decision

A prominent discount supermarket chain is holding liquidation sales as it gears up to shut one of its American outlets.

The Save A Lot chain has already shuttered branches in Buffalo, New York and Newark, New Jersey this year, and is now set to close a store in Lewiston, Maine. No confirmed closing date has yet been announced.

Customers at the Lewiston branch, which underwent a refit three years ago, will be able to take advantage of discounts of up to 10% across all products.

Save A Lot has stated that the closure was beyond its control, describing the situation as “incredibly painful”.

Store officials announced on social media last week: “Unfortunately, due to circumstances outside of our control we are no longer able to continue serving the community we’ve come to love so much.”

According to reports, well-known US grocery retailer Hannaford is poised to take over the 51,000-square-foot premises, which would represent its second outlet in the area.

The new store is expected to open early next year.

One Reddit user commented: “Kind of a bummer they are being chased out by Hannaford.

“They served a need for people in the area that’s not going to be replaced by Hannaford.”

Another wrote: “My grandpa used to take me to Save a Lot and Caswells for a lot of our shopping, then Edward’s for lunch. Thanks for the memories.”

Following the closure, Save A Lot will retain three remaining stores across Maine.