Safeway is shutting down more long-standing supermarkets across the country, leaving longtime shoppers searching for new places to buy their daily essentials.

The latest round of closures hits communities in California, Oregon, and Washington, D.C. Parent company Albertsons continues to reshape its nationwide footprint following the collapse of its proposed multi-billion-dollar merger with Kroger.

End of an Era for Neighborhood Staples
Several locations shuttering this year have anchored their neighborhoods for decades.
In Washington, D.C., Safeway closed its Hechinger Mall location on Maryland Avenue after nearly 40 years of operation. In Newport, Oregon, the coastal city lost its only Safeway store after more than three decades in business.

Meanwhile, in Northern California, Safeway closed its Jackson Street store in Hayward. This marked the brand’s fourth Bay Area closure within a single year.

Company officials stated that lease expirations and changing store profitability drove these decisions.

“Like all retailers, we are constantly evaluating our store footprint,” Safeway said in an official statement. The company stated it is reinvesting resources into stronger locations and modernizing digital channels.

What Happens to Frontline Workers?
Store shutdowns often bring sudden layoffs, but many affected supermarket workers are keeping their jobs.

Union collective bargaining agreements enabled all 76 staff members at the Hayward location to transfer to nearby branches. Albertsons confirmed it is actively placing impacted employees into other stores across its portfolio wherever possible.

The restructuring comes as Albertsons works toward cutting $1.5 billion in expenses by 2027 to offset rising operational and labor costs.

What We Know
Strategic Shift: Albertsons is downsizing underperforming stores after federal regulators blocked its $24.6 billion sale to Kroger.
Confirmed 2026 Closures: Shut locations include Hayward (California), Newport (Oregon), and Hechinger Mall in Northeast Washington, D.C.
Staff Protection: Union contracts and company reassignment programs have protected most store-level workers from outright job loss.
Corporate Target: Albertsons plans to reallocate savings into grocery technology, digital pickup infrastructure, and competitive pricing.

Why This Matters
For millions of American households, a local supermarket is not just a commercial storefront. It is the primary anchor of daily food access, affordable pharmacy services, and neighborhood stability.
When a 40-year-old grocery store closes, residents—especially seniors and families without reliable transportation—face longer commutes and fewer affordable fresh-food options. As major supermarket chains navigate inflation and industry consolidation, communities across the country are left adjusting to a rapidly shrinking retail landscape.

More store closures remain possible as grocery retailers continue re-evaluating their real estate across the nation.