Albertsons Slates 115 Remodels, 8 New Stores
Albertsons and Safeway's parent company will open eight new and replacement stores in 2015 and remodel a total of 115 existing stores across most of its operating divisions.
"Our goal is to be the favorite local supermarket for every one of our shoppers by making sure they have an outstanding experience in our stores," said Bob Miller, Albertsons chairman and CEO. "And keeping our stores fresh and up to date is an important component of that. We're investing in making our stores places where customers want to shop and employees want to work, because we know that's the best way to win in the marketplace."
The eight new and replacement stores either already opened this year or are slated for grand opening in fiscal year 2015 are located in various markets, including Safeway in Hawaii, northern California and Maryland; United Supermarkets in west Texas; and Acme Markets in Long Beach Twp., N.J.
The new and remodeled stores will feature a number of specialty departments, including:
- Bakeries featuring custom cakes by the company's "five-star" cake decorators
- Floral showcasing exclusive designs by Debi Lily
- Butcher Blocks with in-store meat cutters to provide customers with custom cuts
- Sushi and olive bars to be located near the fried chicken prepared daily in the service deli
- Iin-store Starbucks at many locations
Most stores will also offer customers one-stop pharmacy services, and many Safeway locations will also provide online grocery ordering and delivery, in addition to services such as Western Union and DVD rentals through Redbox.
In January 2015, Albertsons combined with Safeway to form the nation's second-largest supermarket chain, and pledged to earn the loyalty of grocery shoppers by delivering higher-quality products as well as enhancing service and values. Overall, this year, as previously disclosed, the company plans to invest more than $1 billion in improving its stores, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and offices.
AB Acquisition LLC operates approximately 2,200 stores and 1,700 pharmacies in 34 states and the District of Columbia under 18 banners: Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United, Pavilions, Star Market, Market Street, Amigos, Lucky, Super Save, Albertsons Market, Pak N' Save and Carrs. The company is privately owned by a consortium led by Cerberus Capital Management.