8-K

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 13, 2010

THE GREAT ATLANTIC & PACIFIC TEA COMPANY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland	1-4141	13-1890974
(State or other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

Two Paragon Drive Montvale, New Jersey	07645
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (201) 573-9700

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address if changed since last report.)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 8.01 Other Events

On August 13, 2010, The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. (A&P, NYSE Symbol: GAP)
announced it will close 25 stores in five states as the Company begins the implementation and execution phase of its comprehensive turnaround. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report.
 

Item 9.01. Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits. The following exhibits are filed herewith:

Exhibit No.	Description
99.1	Press Release dated August 13, 2010

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Dated: August 13, 2010
	THE GREAT ATLANTIC & PACIFIC TEA COMPANY, INC.
	By:	/s/ Christopher W. McGarry
	Name:	Christopher W. McGarry
	Title:	Senior Vice President and General Counsel

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.	Description
99.1	Press Release dated August 13, 2010

EX-99.1

EXHIBIT 99.1

THE GREAT ATLANTIC & PACIFIC TEA COMPANY, INC. TO CLOSE 25 STORES AS PART OF TURNAROUND STRATEGY

MONTVALE, N.J. – August 13, 2010 – The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. (A&P, NYSE Symbol: GAP) today announced that it will close 25 stores in five states as the Company begins the implementation and execution phase of its comprehensive turnaround. The affected stores include locations in close proximity to other Company stores, those facing real estate and cost issues, and underperforming non-core stores. The store closures are expected to be completed in the Company’s fiscal third quarter.

A&P President and Chief Executive Officer Sam Martin said, “As part of our turnaround, we have initiated a detailed review of our store footprint and have decided to close these 25 locations. While this was a very difficult decision that will unfortunately impact some of our customers, partners, communities and employees, these actions are absolutely necessary to strengthen A&P’s operating foundation and improve our performance going forward. We will help our affected colleagues pursue other positions across the Company should open positions be available.”

As part of the store closure process, the Company will encourage loyal customers to shop at its other stores within or in close proximity to their communities.

Mr. Martin continued, “We are moving forward aggressively to advance our turnaround and position A&P for a strong future. Even as we reduce our store base and drive efficiencies across our Company, A&P continues to remodel stores and take other important steps to enhance our customers’ experience across our store formats. To this end, we are set to re-open two newly remodeled stores in the coming month.”

The Company’s operational and revenue-driven turnaround initiative, which was announced late last month, is designed to generate sustained profitability and cash flow, drive sales growth, restore competitive margins to the business and strengthen the foundation of the Company for the long term.

About A&P
Founded in 1859, A&P is one of the nation’s first supermarket chains. The Company currently operates 429 stores in 8 states and the District of Columbia under the following trade names: A&P, Waldbaum’s, Pathmark, Pathmark Sav-a-Center, Best Cellars, The Food Emporium, Super Foodmart, Super Fresh and Food Basics.

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Investor Contact:
Krystyna Lack
Vice President, Treasury Services
(201) 571-4320

Press contact:
Lauren La Bruno
Senior Director, Public Relations
(201) 571-4453

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