But industry experts say they don’t believe any larger chains are looking to break into the St. Louis market anytime soon given its competitive nature.

Layoffs at Shop ’n Save’s Hazelwood distribution center, which employs more than 150 workers, will begin Nov. 19, with a small group of seven employees staying on until the facility permanently closes Dec. 14.

“Although we are hopeful we can find additional buyers for the remaining stores, we must also prepare for all outcomes,” Supervalu spokesman Jeff Swanson said in an email.

“As for the Nov. 19 date, we needed to give at least 60 days notification to employees, and in the event we haven’t found buyers we wanted to wrap up any product sell-down at these stores ahead of the holiday season,” Swanson continued, adding no other information about potential buyers was available.

Supervalu, which in July agreed to be acquired by United Natural Foods for $2.9 billion, had been shopping its Shop ’n Save brand since April as it looked to focus on its more lucrative wholesale business.