Food Lion owner to cut nearly 500 positions

SALISBURY, N.C. — Delhaize America says it sent employees a letter letting them know layoffs would be coming. But it still hasn't let everyone who is losing their job know yet. Out of respect for them, the company won't tell Eyewitness News how many jobs will be cut in Salisbury.

People Eyewitness News spoke with Tuesday night knew someone who works for Food Lion or its parent company Delhaize America.

"One of my uncles works for Food Lion," said Bud Barnett, from Salisbury.

That is why news of cuts was traveling fast and making some people concerned.

"I feel really bad for the people who are losing their jobs," said Dawn Leach, from Salisbury.

A spokesperson for the company says nearly 500 positions will be cut across the country. One hundred and fifty are positions that are open. That means about 350 people will lose jobs.

A spokesperson for the company tells us the positions targeted are all above store level and that these layoffs will complete an effort announced in December to reorganize to become more efficient. In fact, Eyewitness News is told that the company is hiring associates in stores to serve customers better.

That spokesperson also says that Delhaize America employs more than 100,000 people across the country. It owns Food Lion, Bloom and Hannaford, and has offices from Maine to Florida. Eyewitness News is told that the cuts could impact employees in any of those places.

People Eyewitness News spoke with say they hope this move will strengthen the company in the long run.

"And continue on the right path to growth and be a bigger company," said Evan Caldwell, from Salisbury.

The layoffs started in December when Food Lion's president was let go.

Eyewitness News was told that everyone losing their job will know by next Tuesday.

"These decisions were carefully considered and made with the ultimate goal of serving our customers, growing our business and creating shareholder value," wrote Christy Phillips-Brown, director of external communications and community relations with Delhaize America in an emailed statement.

WSOC