Although 38 supermarkets—including three in the Delaware Valley—will close due to underperformance, the Acmes in Bala Cynwyd and in Penn Valley will survive.

Corporate owner Supervalu Inc. announced Wednesday in a news release that it will close about 60 stores, including 38 supermarkets, that are deemed "underperforming or non-strategic." The chain owns Malvern-based Acme.

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Morrisville, Sharon Hill, and Glassboro, NJ will see their Acmes close before Dec. 1, 2012. An additional Acme will close in Stevensville, MD.

Wayne Sales, SuperValu's president, said:

“These decisions are never easy because of the impact a store closure has on our team members, our customers, and our communities. Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to move with a greater sense of urgency to reduce costs and improve shareholder value.”

Acme operates 116 stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland, employing more than 13,000 associates, according to its website.