Tops Markets announced over the summer that it was closing its 48 stores in Northeast Ohio and laying off almost 4,000 employees. Now the Williamsville, New York chain Giant Eagle has announced it will purchase 18 of the stores and re-open them. 14 will be Giant Eagles and four will re-open as Dave's Supermarkets. The deal could mean continued work for as many as 1,800 people.
Giant Eagle said the stores will sell out their inventory and close in December before re-opening under the new name. The Netherlands-based Tops Markets had about 1/4 of the market share in Northeast Ohio but the company wanted to focus on its markets in New York and Pennsylvania. It was reportedly also struggling to compete with deep discounters like Wal-Mart and Marc's. Mark Urycki, 90.3.