A well-known grocery store in Northern California is set to close its doors for good. Safeway will shut down its location on Bollinger Road in West San Jose around November 14, marking the end of nearly sixty years of service, as reported by KTVU.
This closure is part of a larger trend affecting the chain, which has also recently closed stores in San Francisco, Hayward, Pinole, and Vallejo, despite celebrating a century of presence in California.
The company has not provided specific reasons for the closure, simply stating that the decision “was not made lightly.” A spokesperson mentioned, “We have been proud to serve the neighborhoods in this part of San Jose over the years.” On a positive note for employees, they will not lose their jobs; instead, they will be reassigned to other stores in the area, as per the collective bargaining agreements.
Albertsons, Safeway’s parent company, has been experiencing some financial challenges, with a reported 0.1% decrease in year-over-year sales for the recently concluded quarter. The company has also opted to close its bread-baking facility in Richmond, California, after over six decades of operation.
This news has provoked a wave of nostalgia among local residents who remember shopping at this store for years. One individual expressed sadness on Reddit, recalling it as their favorite Safeway and one tied to early childhood memories. Another shared similar sentiments, reminiscing about discount shopping experiences.
However, some customers are confused about why a location that seemed to attract many shoppers is closing. “I’m surprised. This place always seemed busier than some other nearby stores,” one shopper commented. Others speculated whether high grocery prices might be contributing to the store’s challenges. One local mentioned, “I like Safeway, but their prices can be higher compared to others. I usually shop there for supplemental items, but buy most elsewhere.”
With the closure of the Bollinger Road location, San Jose will be left with only 13 Safeway stores remaining.
