BIG Y FOODS PLANNING TO OPEN 8 MORE WORLD CLASS MARKETS

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Big Y Foods here said it expects to build at least eight more of its World Class Market prototype stores in southern New England, primarily Connecticut, over the next two or three years.

ntinue to expand our market presence, these new geographic areas will not only enhance our overall market penetration, but also strengthen our position as one of the leading supermarket chains in the region," Charles L. D'Amour, executive vice president and chief operating officer, said. Big Y operates 30 supermarkets in central and western Massachusetts and Connecticut. It expanded into Connecticut, where seven of the eight new stores are planned, in 1984.

Claire D'Amour, a spokeswoman for the company, said the expansion program is not unlike what Big Y has done in the past, but still it's an "ambitious" plan.

Big Y's World Class Market prototype, a 65,000-square-foot store, first opened last September here. The prototype carries expanded selections of traditional supermarket items and features an international food court. Big Y said its expansion plans include:

A 53,000-square-foot unit in Plainville, Conn., due to open this month, which replaces an existing store.

A 54,000-square-foot store in Monroe, Conn., due to open this summer.

A 65,000-square-foot store in West Springfield, Mass., scheduled to open this fall.

A 56,000-square-foot store in Naugatuck, Conn. Construction is scheduled to begin this month.

A 54,000-square-foot store in Windsor, Conn., scheduled to open next summer.

A 64,500-square-foot store in Manchester, Conn.; a 56,000-square-foot store in Killingly, Conn., and a 56,000-square-foot store in Norwich, Conn. Construction dates are pending for all three stores.