Citing underperformance, a total of 51 locations of the home improvement chain are closing across North America.

In yet another example of tough times for brick and mortar retail, Lowe's announced on Monday it would be scaling back the number of stores in the United States and canada, including two in New England. The company said that a "majority" of the shuttered stores are within 10 miles of another Lowe's location.

According to CNN, through WMUR ABC 9, the closings will help the hardware chain focus on its most profitable stores and "improve the overall health of its store portfolio." CEO Marvin R. Ellison stated "We believe our people are the foundation of our business and essential to our future growth."

Per Lowe's website, the two New England stores to be affected will be Lowe’s of Orange, CT (Store #621) and Lowe’s of Quincy, MA (Store #2267)

Lowe's stated they will try to find jobs at nearby stores for its employees affected by the closings, which will go into effect by February 1st of next year.

 

 

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