A dozen Safeway stores across three states are set to close this November, a move that will affect communities already grappling with rising prices and limited options. This latest round of closures adds another layer of concern for shoppers. Read on for a full list of the affected locations and a look at the factors behind these decisions.
Safeway confirms store closures in Colorado, New Mexico, and Nebraska
After evaluating store performance, Safeway is closing 12 locations across three states, a decision the company said was not made lightly. Ten stores in Colorado, one in New Mexico, and one in Nebraska will cease operations on or before November 7.
The company, which operates under parent firm Albertsons, framed the decision as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its long-term operations. “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. We are working to place affected associates in nearby stores wherever possible,” the company explained in a statement to USA Today.
Albertsons recently merged its Intermountain and Denver divisions into a single Mountain West Division, a restructuring effort that includes streamlining store networks and team structures. The upcoming closures, executives said, are one of several steps tied to that integration.
“Safeway has proudly served these communities for decades, and the decision to close these stores was not made lightly,” a spokesperson said, according to a report by Fox Business. “With a focus on growth, these closures will enable us to continue investing in our store network and better align with evolving customer needs.”
While the grocery chain emphasized its intention to relocate as many employees as possible to nearby locations, it also made clear that periodic assessments could lead to additional closures if stores fail to meet performance benchmarks.
Is your neighborhood Safeway closing? Check the list
The upcoming shutdowns will touch both urban centers and smaller towns, leaving some communities without a nearby Safeway for the first time in decades. Here are the exact stores preparing to close their doors:
- 201 E. Jefferson, Englewood, Colorado 80113
- 500 E. 120th Ave, Northglenn, Colorado 80233
- 1653 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80222
- 12200 E. Mississippi, Aurora, Colorado 80012
- 3657 S. College Ave, Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
- 860 Cleveland Ave., Loveland, Colorado 80537
- 5060 North Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918
- 1425 S. Murray Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colorado 80916
- 315 W. 2nd St., La Junta, Colorado 81050
- 906 E. Olive St., Lamar, Colorado 81052
- 230 Morehead Street, Chadron, Nebraska 69337
- 730 W. Main St., Farmington, New Mexico 87401
Kirk Crespin, the mayor of Lamar, Colorado, confirmed in a Facebook post that Lamar Safeway Store No. 1721, which had been serving their community for more than a half century, will permanently close its doors on November 7.
“I received official notice from the Director of Communications with Safeway’s Mountain West Division, confirming this difficult decision,” Crespin wrote, noting that 53 employees will either be laid off or reassigned to other stores.
He also reflected on the store’s legacy, saying, “Safeway has been more than just a grocery store—it’s been a part of Lamar’s daily life, a place of connection, and a symbol of stability for generations. Its absence will be felt deeply.” Crespin added that city officials will continue working closely with their economic development partners “to recruit new businesses—especially one that can provide similar goods and services” to meet the needs of the residents.
Labor battles and scrapped Kroger deal loom over Safeway shutdowns
Safeway’s parent company, Albertsons, has faced mounting challenges in recent months, with both labor unrest and the fallout of a failed merger weighing heavily on operations.
Back in June, grocery workers across at least five states authorized strikes targeting Albertsons and Kroger, actions that included several Safeway stores. Though large-scale walkouts were averted through tentative labor agreements, tensions remain high. Among those reaching last-minute deals were UFCW Local 7, which represents employees in Colorado and Wyoming, and UFCW Local 1564, covering New Mexico.
Following the announcement of store closures, UFCW Local 7 released a sharp rebuke to CBS Colorado, arguing that the company’s decision to shutter 10 locations in the state “represents new evidence that Albertsons is more interested in lining the pockets of its Wall Street investors as opposed to serving Coloradans.” The union further warned that shutting down rural Safeway stores could strip communities of access to essential full-service groceries.
Albertsons has also been navigating the aftermath of a collapsed mega-merger with Kroger. The $24.6 billion deal, intended to reshape the grocery industry, was blocked in 2024 by both federal and state judges, who deemed it “unlawful.” In response, Albertsons announced plans to sue Kroger for billions in damages. The dispute ended in August 2025, when Kroger agreed to a $25 billion settlement.
Sources: USA Today, Fox Business