Supervalu sheds all Shaw's stores in Connecticut

Minneapolis Supervalu said Friday it will sell all 18 of its Shaw's grocery stores in Connecticut.

"While these decisions are always difficult, given the impact on associates and customers, they ultimately allow us to operate more efficiently and effectively within a highly competitive retail environment," said Pete Van Helden, executive VP retail operations.

Five of the stores are being sold to Stop & Shop and 11 are being sold to individual owners.

Two Shaw's stores remain, and Supervalu is looking for buyers. According to the company, the deal for the other 16 stores should close this spring.

There still remain 176 Shaw's stores in five New England states.