BI-LO parent company Southeastern Grocers Inc. said Thursday it will close three Augusta-area BI-LO stores. [FILE/THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE] ▲

The parent company of the BI-LO supermarket chain said Thursday it plans to close three Augusta-area stores – one in North Augusta and two in Martinez – by March 25.



The three stores are at 111 Edgewood Ave., North Augusta; 500 Furys Ferry Road, Martinez; and 4480 Columbia Road, Martinez. The company operates seven other BI-LO stores and one Harvey's Supermarket in the Augusta-Aiken market.



"We realize that the closure of an underperforming store in your community can be challenging," Jacksonville, Fla.-based Southeastern Grocers Inc. said in a statement. "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 company said it would not grant media interviews regarding the store closures.



It said in a statement the store-closure process generally lasts no longer than 30 days and will include special markdowns on remaining merchandise. The company did not disclose the number of workers that will be displaced.



"We are committed to ensuring all associates are treated with the dignity, respect and compassion they deserve," the company said. "They were the first to know of this decision and have our dedicated support during this transition."



In addition to BI-LO, Southeastern Grocers also owns the Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery store chains.



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