Ralphs, the largest grocery chain in Orange County, said it will shut down its 250 Southern California stores if union members make good on its threat to strike.

“We’re going to close stores in the event union calls the strike,” company spokeswoman Kendra Doyel said late Friday.

The stunning announcement comes less than 24 hours after union leaders gave Vons, Ralphs and Albertsons a 72-hour notice to cancel their contract. If the contract is cancelled, grocery workers could walk out at as early as 7 p.m. Sunday, said Greg Conger, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 324 in Buena Park.

With a strike looming, Ralphs is now playing its next card. The chain, which operates 50 stores in Orange County, said closing stores is the best move for shoppers.

“During a strike, it is difficult to create a good shopping experience for our customers and a good working environment for our employees. We will evaluate the situation as it progresses,” the company said in a statement.

Later, when reached by phone, Doyel said Ralphs didn’t come to this decision last-minute. The chain, owned by Kroger Co., has had this contingency plan in place for awhile — having learned from the last strike, she said.

“It is a horrible place to shop (for customers) because you have to cross the picket,” Doyel said.

The closure of stores will prevent Ralphs from having to hire and train temporary staff, including extra security.

All along Ralphs has not sought to take applications for replacement workers while Vons and Albertsons began recruiting several weeks ago. When asked if Vons would close stores, a representative said: “Vons would operate stores in as much a business as usual fashion as possible.”

Albertsons could not be reached for comment Friday.

When asked how long Ralphs can afford to keep stores closed, Doyel said: ”Truth be told, no days.”

She’s hopeful that Ralphs won’t have to resort to closing stores. “I remain optimistic we will reach a deal.”

Union leaders and representatives for Vons, Ralphs and Albertsons were forced back to the bargaining table Aug. 29 by a federal mediator after grocery workers authorized a strike for the second time since negotiations started eight months ago. The chains have 126 stores in Orange County and 11,000 union workers.

The main issue is the proposed health-care plan from the grocery chains, where employees are being asked to “pay more for less” benefits, union leaders say.

The union said grocery workers are preparing for a strike, including assembling signs, stockpiling food for strikers and their families and continuing picket trainings.

“We’re ready to fight to preserve good jobs,” union leaders said.

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