Albertsons closes dozen Safeway stores amidst consolidation efforts

In the United States, Safeway is scheduled to close a total of 12 locations by November 7, 2025, primarily located in Colorado, New Mexico, and Nebraska. This decision comes as part of a strategic consolidation by Albertsons, Safeway's parent company, which has merged its Intermountain and Denver divisions into a newly established Mountain West Division. The spokesperson for Albertsons emphasized that this move aligns with consumer demands and aims to ensure the long-term growth of the company. Among those affected are ten stores in Colorado, one store in New Mexico, and another in Nebraska. The closures follow a careful evaluation of store performance, with the company actively trying to relocate affected employees wherever possible. The mayor of Lamar, Colorado, Kirk Crespin, expressed concern over the impact of the Lamar Safeway Store No. 1721's closing, which has served the community for over 50 years. This store's closure reflects a broader trend in the grocery industry, highlighting the ongoing struggle many grocery stores face in adapting to changing customer needs and market conditions. As part of their response to the situation, local officials and economic development partners in Lamar have committed to finding new businesses to fill the gap left by Safeway's departure, focusing on providing similar goods and services to maintain community needs. As grocery chains like Albertsons make these difficult decisions, they recognize the emotional toll these closures can have on communities. Discussions around these closures clarify that the retail grocery landscape is undergoing significant changes, driven by evolving shopping habits and economic pressures. Albertsons' spokesperson indeed stated that these closures are not taken lightly and were reached after extended deliberation, signifying their commitment to creating a sustainable business model for their stores. In summary, while Safeway has been a staple in these communities for decades, the closure of its stores is seen as a necessary move to adapt to market demands. The decision emphasizes not only the need for grocery chains to stay relevant but also the importance of community support in times of corporate transition, indicating that both local and corporate entities must collaborate for ongoing success in the retail landscape.