WEST BRIDGEWATER, Mass — Supervalu Inc.’s Shaw’s Supermarkets subsidiary announced earlier this month that it will trim nearly 700 workers from its store-level workforce.

Supervalu Inc.’s Shaw’s Supermarkets subsidiary announced earlier this month that it will trim nearly 700 workers from its store-level workforce.

The reductions will occur across 169 Shaw’s and Star Market stores in New England.

"A decision of this nature is never easy, but after careful evaluation, it is unfortunately the necessary step for us to take to help improve our business, reduce expenses and reinvest in more customer-facing initiatives," president Mike Stigers says. "These changes will help us to compete more effectively in a rapidly changing marketplace."

Stigers stresses that the elimination of 700 jobs does not impact Shaw’s overall commitment to the communities it serves.

The company remains focused on driving sales through a solid plan of lowering prices, investing in the customer experience and implementing programs designed to attract new shoppers, he says.