BENTON – The Fred’s store in Benton is one of 159 under-performing and unprofitable stores in 13 states that will close by the end of May.

The Memphis-based company said in a news release Thursday liquidation sales at those stores began Thursday. The company’s 398 other discount stores will remain open.

CEO Joseph Anto said in the release the company will work to move employees to other stores if possible.

The company said it is continuing to pursue the sale of its remaining pharmacy assets.

Besides the Benton location, 31 stores in Mississippi, 25 in Georgia, 23 in Tennessee, 19 each in Alabama and Arkansas, 14 in Louisiana, 11 in South Carolina, six in Texas, four in Kentucky, three in North Carolina, two in Missouri and one in Oklahoma will close.