Delhaize Closing Harveys DC

Delhaize America LLC plans to discontinue operations at a Harveys distribution center in Green Cove Springs, Fla., when the deal under which the grocery chain is being sold to Bi-Lo Holdings LLC closes, according to Delhaize America.

Delhaize America spokeswoman Christy Phillips-Brown told Progressive Grocer that the Salisbury, N.C.-based company informed associates on Dec. 5 that the facility would shut down when the sale to Bi-Lo Holdings went through.

One hundred and sixteen employees will be affected by the closure, according to a state filing.

Harveys currently operates 73 locations in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, noted Phillips-Brown, who added that the distribution center services all of these stores.

Bi-Lo Holdings has said it will convert the Sweetbay and Reid’s stores to the Winn-Dixie and Bi-Lo banners, respectively, while most Harveys stores are expected to retain their name.

The Green Cove Springs facility was originally built to service Delhaize's Food Lion banner, which exited Florida in 2012.

Bi-Lo Holdings, owner of the Winn-Dixie and Bi-Lo grocery chains, agreed in May to purchase from Delhaize all of the Harveys supermarkets, as well as 72 Sweetbay stores in Florida and 11 Reid’s stores in South Carolina. The deal is expected to close in early 2014.