Various Pathmark Stores are lined up to close, with one in Walnutport among them.

Grocery store chain A&P, which also operates Pathmark and Super Fresh stores in our area, is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and plans to close or sell off stores due to heightened competition.Among the Pathmark Stores slated to close is the one at 300 S. Best Ave. in Walnutport.The building had previously housed a Super Fresh supermarket, and before that, a Kmart.Contacted today, Joe Straub, store manager, declined to comment.Several calls placed to the A&P Media Relations Department early this morning were not returned.However, A&P has posted a message on its website,

ap.apsupermarket.com."On July 20, 2015, The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company's (A&P) announced that it executed asset purchase agreements covering approximately 120 stores at a purchase price of approximately $600 million. In addition, A&P secured financing of $100 million and voluntarily filed for chapter 11. For the majority of our customers, we do not expect this to have any impact on your shopping experience."The vast majority of our stores are operating normally and will be fully stocked during this process. While some stores will close in the near-term, the vast majority will continue providing customers with the same high-quality products and exceptional customer service. We will also continue to honor all existing customer promotional and loyalty programs. Serving our customers has been and will continue to be our No. 1 priority."We appreciate your support, and thank you for your continued business."This marks the second time in five years that the Montvale, New Jersey-based company has filed for bankruptcy.