On average it costs $7 million to open a superstore.
The company's losses are related to the pace at which it is opening superstores.
The company also opened superstores in Great Britain during the 1980s.
Recently the company has begun opening superstores in China.
He said sales had increased 10 percent since Crown's opened a superstore nearby last April.
Pathmark plans to open a superstore in Astoria.
Indeed, with an eye on the success of large independents, several chains are opening so-called superstores, with large and diverse stocks.
And both Crown Books and Tower Records are opening superstores.
Toys "R" Us opened a superstore at the Summit in the old Bruno's location.
In 2008, Aldi announced plans to open a superstore in Knutsford, but not until September 2012 did construction work start.