EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to reflect correct information on the divestiture of these stores, not necessarily their closures.
Kroger and Albertsons announced plans to sell 579 stores nationwide, with the largest share in Washington state – including South King County – as part of their merger.
The stores, spanning five brands, will be sold to C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC, based in Keene, New Hampshire, which owns the Piggly Wiggly and Grand Union brands.
The sale is part of a plan to receive federal approval for Kroger and Albertsons to merge.
The stores listed below would be acquired by C&S, along with most of the QFC and Haggen stores, plus the rights to those names. So it is possible that any Safeway that is sold would become a QFC store if this merger happens.
This move comes amid the company’s efforts to streamline operations and maintain financial viability.
Kroger’s decision to sell these stores impacts a range of communities in the South King County area, potentially affecting local access to grocery and pharmacy services.
The sales are part of a larger plan involving 124 locations in Washington State, which includes grocery stores, distribution centers, and plant facilities.
The following stores in South King County are slated for sale/divestiture:
Burien
- Safeway, 138 SW 148th Street
Des Moines
- Safeway, 27035 Pacific Highway S.
Normandy Park
- QFC, 17847 1st Ave South
Kent
- QFC, 13304 SE 240th Street
- Safeway, 13101 SE Kent-Kangley Road
Covington
- Safeway, 17023 SE 272nd Street
Auburn
- Haggen, 1406 Lake Tapps Parkway E.
- Safeway, 101 Auburn Way South
- Distribution Center at 3520 Pacific Ave S.
Federal Way
- Safeway, 2109 SW 336th Street
Renton
- QFC, 4800 NE 4th Street
- Safeway, 200 S. 3rd Street
The company cited the need to optimize store performance and manage resources more effectively as reasons behind these decisions. Local residents and employees are bracing for the changes, which could lead to increased travel times for groceries and potential job losses.
Community leaders and customers have expressed concern about the impact these closures will have on neighborhood accessibility to essential goods and services. Efforts to mitigate the disruptions are being discussed, including potential reassignments for affected employees and partnerships with local businesses to fill the service gaps.
I live not too far from the QFC in federal way. The Safeway and Fred Meyer are 10 minutes from me. I usually shop at the Safeway off of 336. QFC Prices are too high, most times when I go to the Fred Meyer, the electric carts are not charged,I have mobility issues and need the cart. I will be switching to the Amazon store at the mall or Winco. Kroger is greedy taking away competition.
Let’s use this opportunity and support our local businesses and our Farmer’s Market instead of feeling sad about a corporation leaving the area to consolidate themselves. I go to Dwayne’s & Wayne’s regularly, I feel like we all should.