This piece was originally published here in the Philadelphia Business Journal

Just a few years ago, discount supermarket chain Bottom Dollar Food began sprouting up all over Pennsylvania. Soon it had 46 stores in the Philadelphia area and 20 near Pittsburgh.

But the plan of bargain-basement food prices apparently didn’t work and parent company Delhaize Group is selling all 66 Bottom Dollar Food locations to ALDI Inc.

The stores are expected to remain open until the end of the year, but then close. That will leave 2,200 people out of work. The company said it will offer every associate severance, and some will be offered career-transition services.

“This decision was difficult given the impact on our associates, customers and communities in which we operate,” said Gene Faller, vice president of retail operations for Bottom Dollar Food. “We want to thank our associates, customers and communities for their support over the past four years.”

The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of 2015.

 Further Reading

Biz Journal’s follow-up on whether or not the closed stores will be reopen as grocery stores under new owner Aldi. 

Generocity’s story on the latest Bottom Dollar to open in Philadelphia. 

Photo via Generocity.org