Delhaize to close 15 Food Lion stores

Charlotte, N.C. Delhaize Group will shutter 15 Food Lion and one Bloom store as part of a U.S. restructuring plan.

The company said its decision to close the underperforming stores “will favorably impact our operating profit from 2010 onwards.”

Affected employees can apply for other positions within the company.

Delhaize Group said it will focus on increased investments, accelerated store openings and cost reductions. It plans to open between 120 and 130 stores this year and remodel 100.