PICKENS — Southeastern (SE) Grocers, parent company of Bi-Lo, has announced 22 locations will be closing on or before March 25, including the store in Pickens.
“We realize that the closure of an under performing store in your community can be challenging,” a media release read. “We do not take these decisions lightly and only make this tough choice after careful consideration of its impact on our associates and our customers has been made. 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”
Phone calls to the company asking the total number of employees which will be affected were not returned by press time.
In Pickens County alone, there were four Bi-Los: Clemson, Pickens and two in Easley. The Easley store on US 123 shuttered in 2015, followed by the Clemson location in March of 2018. Now that Pickens is closing up shop as well, the only remaining store in-county will be the location on S. Pendleton Street in Easley.
SE Grocers filed for Chapter 11 in 2018, closing 72 stores, including 22 Bi-Los. According to the company, the restructuring would decrease overall debt levels by over $500 million. Also shuttered in the move was 72 Harveys, Fresco y Más and Winn-Dixies.
In May 2018, SE Grocers’ Chapter 11 filings were confirmed by a U.S. Bankruptcy judge in Delaware and less than a month later, the company announced that it had completed its financial restructuring and was emerging from bankruptcy.
According to documents, as part of the restructuring, $522 million in debt was exchanged for equity in SE Grocers, though it was not announced who was receiving the equity shares.
SE Grocers ended up exiting bankruptcy with 575 stores operational in seven states, down from 704 locations.
“Our associates are committed to serving your community with the same level of service, value and quality you have come to expect from your store while the process is ongoing,” the release stated. “The process generally lasts no longer than 30 days and we will regularly share details about special mark-down discounts on our remaining merchandise. The store will close on — or before — March 25.”
