Full Breakdown
Safeway Announces Closure of 10 Stores in Colorado
9/10/2025, 6:53:01 AM
Overview of Store Closures
Safeway has announced the closure of 10 stores across Colorado, along with one store each in New Mexico and Nebraska, all set to cease operations on or before November 7, 2025. The affected Colorado locations include stores in Fort Collins and Loveland, as well as several others in the Denver metro area and beyond. The closures are part of a strategic consolidation following the merger of Safeway's Intermountain and Denver divisions into the newly formed Mountain West Division.
List of Affected Locations
The following Safeway stores will close:
- 201 E. Jefferson Ave., Englewood, Colorado
- 500 E. 120th Ave., Northglenn, Colorado
- 1653 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver, Colorado
- 12200 E. Mississippi Ave., Aurora, Colorado
- 3657 S. College Ave., Fort Collins, Colorado
- 860 Cleveland Ave., Loveland, Colorado
- 5060 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colorado
- 1425 S. Murray Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colorado
- 315 W. 2nd St., La Junta, Colorado
- 906 E. Olive St., Lamar, Colorado
- 230 Morehead St., Chadron, Nebraska
- 730 W. Main St., Farmington, New Mexico
Reasons for Closure
Safeway cited store performance as a key factor in the decision to close these locations. The company has emphasized its commitment to operational excellence and customer-focused innovation, stating that the closures will allow for continued investment in its store network and better alignment with evolving customer needs. A spokesperson noted, “We continuously evaluate the performance of our stores, and occasionally, after long and careful deliberation, it becomes necessary to make the difficult decision to close certain locations.”
Impact on Employees and Communities
The closures are expected to impact hundreds of employees. Safeway has indicated that it will work to reassign affected associates to nearby stores where possible. Local officials, including the mayor of Lamar and the city manager of La Junta, have expressed concern over the economic and emotional impact of these closures on their communities. The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 criticized the decision, stating that it prioritizes corporate interests over the needs of local communities, calling for Safeway to invest in Colorado rather than shrink its footprint.
Official Statements
In response to the closures, Safeway spokesperson Heather Halpape stated, “Safeway has proudly served these communities for decades, and the decision to close these stores was not made lightly. With a focus on growth, these closures will enable us to continue investing in our store network and better align with evolving customer needs.”
Criticism from Local Leaders
Local leaders have voiced their concerns regarding the closures. Otero County Commissioner Rob Oquist remarked on the personal and economic challenges posed by the loss of grocery options, particularly in smaller communities like La Junta and Lamar. The union representing affected workers has called for a reconsideration of the closures, emphasizing the need for grocery access in these areas.
Conclusion
The closure of these Safeway stores marks a significant shift in the grocery landscape across Colorado, particularly affecting communities that have relied on these locations for decades. As the company moves forward with its restructuring, the long-term implications for employees and local residents remain to be seen.
