A slew of stores from East Coast grocery chain, Stop & Shop, are closing.

On July 12, the grocer announced it will close 32 underperforming stores by the end of 2024. The chain is making the move to “position the company for growth,” according to the press release.

Stop & Shop says it will continue to have a “strong presence” across the five states it operates in with more than 350 stores staying open. The company also notes that associates at impacted locations will be offered other opportunities within the company.

“Stop & Shop is proud of the deep roots and community ties we have developed as a neighborhood grocer of more than 100 years, and we remain committed to nourishing our associates, customers and communities,” said Stop & Shop president Gordon Reid.

Parent company Ahold Delhaize — which also owns the Food Lion and Giant grocery chains — first announced in May that it was making the move to reduce its Stop & Shop footprint after evaluating the chain’s overall store portfolio.

Stop & Shop says in its press release that while the news is difficult to deliver, the company is proud to retain its associates and invest in its growth.

“Since 2018, we have completed more than 190 store remodels, with the customer shopping experience in mind and these stores are outperforming other Stop & Shop stores that haven’t been remodeled,” a Stop & Shop representative tells TODAY.com via email.

“We recently opened our new flagship Boston store in Allston, which is a great example of how we are taking a mindful approach to create stores that fit the needs of our growing and diverse neighborhoods,” they continue.

The representative also says the chain is continuing to invest in its future, feeling like it has a strong footing to do that in this ever-changing market.

Stop & Shop says it will communicate specific store closing dates to its local customers well in advance of any actual closings, and that it will continue to offer service to those customers through online shopping and home delivery.

The 83-year-old chain says that following this round of closures, it will operate 81 stores in Connecticut, 115 in Massachusetts, 47 in New Jersey, 91 in New York and 25 in Rhode Island.

“We look forward to continuing to serve and care for our communities and to grow Stop & Shop as a local brand for many years to come,” Reid said in the release.

The following store locations will close on or before Nov. 2:

Connecticut

• 100 Division St., Ansonia

• 211 High St., Torrington

• 1937 West Main St., Stamford

• 855 Bridgeport Ave., Milford

• 72 Newtown Road, Danbury