Is this century-old grocery store chain facing difficulties in remaining open?

After more than a century in business, Safeway, once a trusted choice for suburban shoppers, is now confronting significant challenges. Known for pioneering innovations in the supermarket industry, the chain is struggling to maintain its presence in the market. Like other grocery retailers, Safeway has weathered economic downturns, inflation, the pandemic, and evolving consumer preferences.

Throughout 2024 and continuing into 2025, Safeway has been closing underperforming stores nationwide. Long-established locations in many cities have disappeared. In September 2025 alone, 10 stores in Colorado, along with two each in Nevada and New Mexico, were shut down due to low performance. In San Francisco, two Safeway stores are being transformed into residential developments.

Safeways parent company, Albertsons, acquired the chain in 2015. Earlier this year, a major merger between Albertsons and Kroger, which could have affected grocery prices, fell through, prompting Albertsons to pursue legal action over alleged damages. During this period, Safeway and Albertsons also experienced worker strikes, making 2025 a particularly difficult year for the brand.

Online communities reflect growing customer dissatisfaction. On Reddit, many longtime shoppers vent frustrations about understaffed stores, early closures, and safety concerns. For example, users report that in Spokane, Washington, only one cashier is often available, and the deli shuts down early, while petty theft has become a common issue.

Price complaints are frequent. Safeway often charges more for basic items than discount chains like Walmart or Aldi, yet does not provide the premium experience offered by stores like Whole Foods or Trader Joes. Unlike these competitors, which are praised for unique products, quality, and enjoyable shopping experiences, Safeway stores are often described as outdated, with old designs, harsh lighting, and disorganized shelves.

Overall, Safeways reputation as a reliable, middle-class grocery option is fading. Many locations feel stuck in the past, and the chain struggles to keep customers engaged amid modern alternatives.

Author: Sophia Brooks