DERBY — Xpect Discounts will be laying off 58 employees, beginning around April 7, when it closes down it Pershing Drive operation ahead of a redevelopment project at the site.

In a notice filed with the State Labor Department, Kevin Yaugher, president and chief operating officer of Ohio-based Marc Glassman Inc., Xpect’s parent company, said layoffs would commence on April 7 or within 14 days after that date.

“Based upon economic forces, Marc Glassman Inc. was not able to renew its lease for the Xpect Derby location,” the company said in an email.

Its five other Connecticut stores are not affected, the company said.

Xpect’s Derby store is in the Red Raider Plaza, where a planned redevelopment could bring in a Walgreens Pharmacy and soften the blow to the community from job losses.

Mayor Anthony Staffieri said the jobs generated by Walgreens or other businesses moving in to the newly-renovated plaza would offset the lost Xpect jobs. “Hopefully the new store would hire some of those laid off,” he said.

“Yes, we are hoping those laid off will be absorbed into the new Walgreens,” said Sheila O’Malley, director of economic and community development, who added she was aware the layoffs were coming. “We never want to see anyone lose their job.”

According to Xpect’s mass layoff notice, 24 of the workers are cashiers and 19 work to keep the store stocked, while six supervisors will also be laid off.

Another food store could move in to the vacant space. “Most likely something like and Aldi’s,” the mayor said.

“Derby is a unique little city,” O’Malley added. “When one business closes another one opens.”

The redevelopment plan also calls for the demolition of a majority of the existing structures at the plaza.

This includes tearing down a portion of the Xpect building to make room for new storefronts where existing plaza stores — including Suds Laundromat, Crown Fried Chicken and N&S Smoke Junction — would be relocated. “That’s our understanding,” said Steven Jalowiec, Planning & Zoning member.

The new Walgreens store, which would be located at the corner of Pershing Drive and Division Street, would be about 14,500 square feet and would have a drive-thru window for prescriptions. Walgreens has 91 stores in Connecticut. The company did not immediately return inquiries.

Staffieri said construction of the store could begin as early as summer. “It’s just how fast Walgreens wants to move in,” he said.

But Jalowiec noted the proposal has yet to receive any city approvals or permits.

“We are just now having public hearings on it,” he said. The next hearing is planned for Feb. 21, he said, adding he encouraged residents to come and express their views on the entire proposal.

The event will help Spooner House restock its shelves with enough non-perishable foods to last at least two months.

The collections will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following Stop & Shop locations: 100 Division St., Ansonia; 15 Franklin St., Seymour; and 898 Bridgeport Ave, Shelton.

Food donations will also be accepted at Spooner House, 30 Todd Road, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations can also be dropped off at Christ Episcopal Church, 56 Cliff St., Ansonia, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Volunteers are still needed for the food drives at each location to collect and organize the food. Call Tony Vellucci at 203-225-0453 to volunteer.

Food items needed include soups, juices, tuna, canned fruits, peanut butter, jelly, rice, crackers, snack items, coffee and tea.

Spooner House provides food, shelter and support services to approximately 200 men, women and children each year.

The Valley Food Bank, run by Spooner House, provides a week’s supply of groceries each month to participating families throughout the Valley.

In 2011, the food bank program provided more than 137,000 meals, a third of them for children.

Spooner House is operated by Area Congregations Together, Inc., a non-profit agency which was formed in 1979 to help fill gaps in the Valley’s social service network.

The suspect, who was armed with a knife, entered the store around 7:51 a.m. and attempted to take money from the cash register, according to Lt. Justin Stanko.

“A struggle ensued and the female clerk was struck in the hand with the knife,” he said. Stanko said the clerk sustained lacerations to her hand and was taken to Griffin Hospital.

Stanko said the suspect took about $100 before he fled on foot.

Detectives recovered clothing and other evidence nearby the store that they believe was tossed by the suspect, he said.

They include a blue and white Dallas Cowboy Reebok pullover with a large blue star on the back and a navy, New York Yankee baseball cap with the Yankee logo in cursive and a light blue/turquoise brim. He said the clerk was too distraught give a description of the suspect.

Stanko said anyone with information about the robbery should contact Derby police at 203-735-7811. All calls will remain confidential.