Lucky sold 20 of its supermarkets in Houston.

S. Donley Ritchey, chairman of the Dublin, Calif.-based company, said the stores would be sold to several independent operators in Houston, which he called “a very difficult market for some time.” Terms of the cash sale were not disclosed, but proceeds will be used “in more profitable segments of the business,” he said. Lucky Stores Inc. will lease its Houston distribution center to a local grocery wholesaler.