Associated Food Stores Cuts Staff

MARK HAMSTRA

SALT LAKE CITY — Associated Food Stores here has eliminated 70 positions and relocated 42 of the affected employees to merchandising and store-level jobs.

"These 42 people represent some of AFS' best and having them at retail will have a positive impact on our store guests' experience throughout the holiday season and over the long term," said Kris Romeril, a spokesman for the cooperative wholesaler and retailer.

The 28 staffers who were let go "were treated with respect and compassion," he said.

As previously reported, Neal Berube recently took over as chief executive officer for Rich Parkinson after leading a turnaround effort at the company's Fresh Market division of company-owned stores. In an interview with SN in September, he said he was planning some changes at the company after it posted a loss of $6.5 million in its last fiscal year.

Romeril said said the company's board has been reviewing the company's operations for the past year, and identified "areas of value and areas within our company that need improvements."

"Our team is incredibly optimistic about our new leadership and looks forward to working with them during the months and years ahead," Romeril said.