Safeway to close 10 stores across Colorado by November
Major grocery chain Safeway has revealed plans to shutter 10 stores in Colorado by November, impacting locations across the state from Englewood to Lamar. The closures are part of a larger restructuring effort following the merger of two Safeway divisions, according to Heather Halpape, director of communications for Safeway’s Mountain West Division.
Halpape stated, “We continuously assess the performance of our stores, and after careful consideration, we have made the tough decision to close certain locations. We are committed to assisting affected employees in finding opportunities at nearby stores whenever feasible.”
The affected Safeway stores in Colorado include:
- 201 E. Jefferson Ave., Englewood
- 500 E. 120th Ave, Northglenn
- 1653 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver
- 12200 E. Mississippi Ave., Aurora
- 3657 S. College Ave, Fort Collins
- 860 Cleveland Ave., Loveland
- 5060 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs
- 1425 S. Murray Blvd., Colorado Springs
- 315 W. 2nd St., La Junta
- 906 E. Olive St., Lamar
Halpape characterized the structural change as a “growth accelerator,” emphasizing that the closures will allow Safeway to invest in its store network and better meet evolving customer needs.
However, UFCW Local 7, representing workers at eight of the impacted Colorado stores, expressed concerns about reduced food options in certain neighborhoods and the absence of a full-service grocer in La Junta and Lamar. The union highlighted the inconvenience for consumers who may now need to travel 60 miles to access similar services.
Local 7 president Kim Cordova criticized Safeway/Albertson for prioritizing Wall Street interests over the well-being of Colorado residents and communities.
Recent closures in the grocery sector also include a Safeway store in Lakewood and a King Soopers outlet in Centennial. Safeway’s failed merger attempt with Kroger Co., the parent company of King Soopers and City Market, took place at the end of 2024.
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