ALBERTSON'S TO CLOSE FOUR STORES

BOISE, Idaho -- Albertson's here said last week it plans to close its four stores in the Chattanooga, Tenn., marketing area early next month.

ustomer acceptance the company had anticipated, "and after trying a number of programs and revisions, the difficult decision was made to close the stores," Gerald Melville, vice president, Midsouth division, said.

Albertson's moved into Chattanooga in 1998 when it acquired 14 stores in Tennessee and one in Georgia from Bruno's, Birmingham, Ala.

Albertson's said it remains committed to Tennessee, where it operates 15 Seessel's stores in Memphis and 10 Albertson's stores in the Nashville area.

The company said chain representatives will meet with individual employees to discuss personal career goals and employment options, and the company said it hopes the majority of employees who wish to remain with Albertson's will have an opportunity to do so.