Less than 18 months after leasing space in Suffolk, Lumber Liquidators is closing that distribution operation, as well as another in Hampton, to move to its new East Coast Distribution Center in Sandston.

The company announced the move Monday but said in a statement it has been “actively communicating internally about this transition for well over a year.”

The company leased 150,000 square feet in Northgate Commerce Park in summer 2013. It sells hardwood, bamboo, laminate and other flooring and accessories.

About 121 employees from both the Suffolk and Hampton locations, as well as a small number from corporate headquarters in Toano, are affected, according to the statement. All of the affected employees were offered a transfer to the new location, and 117 accepted the option.

“Lumber Liquidators values our employees and knows that their contributions are central to our continued success,” the statement said. “We are supporting (employees) by subsidizing commuting options and offering a relocation bonus to those moving their homes closer to the Sandston location.”

John Feld with One Simple Plan, a communications agency, emailed the statement and said it was the only comment the company would have. He would not provide detail about the reason for the relocation.

Feld also said the company was not providing the number of workers at each location.