By JOHN THOMPSON
Business Editor

The fierce grocery wars claimed another victim this week as A & P announced it was leaving the Atlanta market.

The chain has 34 stores scattered throughout the metro area and plans to sell 14 of the stores to Publix and Harris Teeter. The other 20 stores will be closed by the beginning of the summer, said company officials.

Locally, A & P in Peachtree City will convert to a Harris Teeter by the beginning of next year. Store manager Al Beaty said employees learned of the news early Monday morning. While he couldn't provide a specific date, Beaty expects the store to close by the beginning of the summer.

The store, located in the Peachtree Crossing Center, was originally a Big Star grocery store. Long-time city residents remember when Big Star came to town and was the city's first chain grocery store. Now, the city features two Kroger stores and a Publix. When Harris Teeter moves to town, residents will discover a decidedly upscale store that would seem to fit perfect with the city's demographics.

The chain's retreat from the market marks the second large chain to leave the metro area. Earlier this decade, Birmingham, Ala.-based Bruno's left the market after not being able to dent Kroger's market share.

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