The Times Union is reporting that some of the Capital Region ShopRite stores may close their doors as early as this Saturday. Originally, the chain said December 9th would be the likely final date. In a statement, a ShopRite spokesperson told the paper that inventory is already running low at the five area stores: 

We are selling through remaining discounted inventory more quickly than anticipated. As a result, we may close the stores sooner than the originally projected date of Dec. 9. Shoppers should check the store Facebook pages later this week for the latest information on closing dates.

Merchandise has already been reduced 30-50% in recent weeks. An employee at the Colonie store said discounts may reach 75% this week. 

ShopRite has stores in Albany, Colonie, North Greenbush, Bethlehem, Niskayuna and Slingerlands. Speculation continues on if another supermarket chain will move into the area and take over the stores. 

feature photo: Mike Mozart, Flickr Creative Commons CC 2.0 DEED