BIDDEFORD — The Lowe’s Home Improvement store in Biddeford is now closed. The store closed unexpectedly Sunday, with workers only finding out about the closure that day.

It’s one of 20 “underperforming” stores in 15 states that will close, according to a prepared statement from the company’s corporate office in Mooresville, N.C., today. Ten Lowe’s stores closed on Sunday and 10 more will close in the next month.

According to reports, about 102 employees worked at the Lowe’s in Biddeford, which opened in 2006.

Nationally, approximately 1,950 employees will be impacted by the closings. Employees will receive pay and benefits for 60-90 days, and Lowe’s will be working with local government agencies to help employees with outplacement assistance, according to the prepared statement.

The store in Scarborough remains open. Lowe’s spokeswoman Karen Cobb said customers can contact that store for any orders placed through the Biddeford location.

This is the latest blow to The Shops at Biddeford Crossing, where Lowe’s was located. Two large stores, Linens ‘n’ Things and Old Navy, as well two restaurants that were among the first businesses at the shopping center closed several years ago, citing lack of business as a reason.

Recently, it looked like the fortunes of the shopping center were turning around with the opening of a new restaurant, Casa Fiesta, and a Michael’s craft store.

In addition to the Biddeford Lowe’s location, closures in Maine and New Hampshire include the store in Ellsworth, and Claremont, Hooksett and Manchester, N.H.

“Lowe’s now expects to open 10 to 15 stores per year in North America from 2012 forward, compared to a prior assumption of approximately 30 stores per year. The company is on track to open approximately 25 stores in 2011, as planned,” according to the statement.

“Closing stores is never easy, given the impact on hard-working employees and local communities,” said Robert A. Niblock, chairman, president and CEO, in the statement. “However, we have an obligation to make tough decisions when necessary to improve profitability and strengthen our financial position. Lowe’s remains committed to making strategic investments and focusing resources in a manner that will generate the greatest shareholder value, enhance the customer shopping experience and create sustained customer loyalty over the long term.”

According to an Aug. 15 statement from the company’s corporate office, the company reported flat earnings for the quarter ending July 29 compared with the same period a year ago.

— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.