Bashas’ Supermarkets will shutter “a handful” of locations this summer for with the final closings to occur by month’s end.

According to published reports, Chandler, Ariz.-based Bashas’ didn’t disclose the number of stores or their locations for competitive reasons, but said it would only be a few.

According to Bashas, the stores had been underperforming, and maintaining their operation was impractical in today’s economic environment. The chain had closed an earlier “handful” of stores in April 2009, at that time also citing the tough economic climate.

Additionally, in February 2009, Bashas’ laid off 350 associates.