The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. Inc. (A&P) has filed a motion with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York seeking approval to close 14 underperforming stores in four states as the company prepares to emerge from Chapter 11.

The store closures are expected to be completed in A&P’s fiscal first quarter, subject to court approval. As part of the store closing process, A&P will work to facilitate future store assignments based on employees’ collective bargaining agreements.

"We are continuing to take the steps necessary to position A&P to emerge from Chapter 11 with a strong future and ensure that we remain focused on our top priority–providing great value and service to our customers every day,” said A&P president and CEO Sam Martin in a press release. “As part of our preparations to emerge from Chapter 11, we have decided to close these 14 underperforming locations. While this was a very difficult decision that will unfortunately impact some of our customers, partners, associates and the surrounding communities, these actions are absolutely necessary as we continue to strengthen A&P's operating foundation and improve our performance."