SAFEWAY CLOSES THREE MORE STORES IN 2026

Safeway has closed three locations in 2026 as its parent company Albertsons reorganises its store network. The closures took place in Hayward, California; Washington, D.C.; and Newport, Oregon. Albertsons operates more than 900 Safeway locations primarily across the western United States, with a smaller presence in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

The company said the closures reflect a broader strategy to close stores with less long-term potential whilst opening new locations in areas of strong demand. Albertsons operates more than 20 grocery brands across 35 states, including Vons, Jewel-Osco, Acme Markets and Shaw's. Last year, Albertsons closed at least 30 stores across its various banners. The company has been reviewing its store portfolio since a federal judge blocked its planned $24.6 billion merger with Kroger in 2024.

Most Safeway closures appear tied to expiring leases rather than market withdrawal. The Washington, D.C. location at Hechinger Mall closed on 16 May after nearly 40 years of operation, with Albertsons stating it had made "the difficult decision" to reinvest resources in other stores. The Hayward store became the fourth Safeway closure in the San Francisco Bay Area in just over a year. Albertsons said it aims to place as many employees as possible in other locations when stores shut.