The Haggen grocery chain, which gained a foothold in Southern Nevada in June, announced today that it will close or sell several stores in Western states.
All of the 27 stores listed for closure within the next 60 days are in California, Arizona, Oregon or Washington. Haggen said in a news release that additional stores “may be sold or closed in the future as part of Haggen’s business right-sizing plan.”
The company said it hasn’t determined how many jobs will be affected by the closures and sales.
“Haggen’s goal going forward is to ensure a stable, healthy company that will benefit our customers, associates, vendors, creditors, stakeholders as well as the communities we serve,” Bill Shaner, Haggen’s Pacific Southwest CEO, said in the release. “By making the tough choice to close and sell some stores, we will be able to invest in stores that have the potential to thrive under the Haggen banner.”
The chain underwent a major expansion when it agreed to purchase 146 stores nationwide as Albertsons and Safeway announced plans to merge last year. The chain had 18 stores before the purchase, which expanded its employee count from about 2,000 to about 10,000.
In June, Haggen converted seven former Vons and Albertsons stores in Southern Nevada to its brand. The chain has three stores in Las Vegas, three in Henderson and one in Boulder City.
In July, Haggen laid off an undisclosed number of employees at stores in Nevada, Arizona and Southern California.
At the time, a statement from Shaner said the company would "temporarily cut back on staffing" in an effort to operate more efficiently.
"Our focus moving forward is to continue to bring the complete Haggen experience to our stores — offering fresh, locally sourced products alongside everyday big brands — and establishing ourselves in the competitive grocery space," the July statement said.