Haggen to close 27 stores

Haggen, a regional grocer based in Bellingham, Wash., said it will be closing or selling a number of stores "to continue to improve its business and strengthen its competitive position." Most of the stores being closed or sold were acquired as part of the transaction in which Albertsons LLC and Safeway divested 146 stores.

The closings include 27 stores in Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington. Haggen said it will close or sell additional stores in the future as part of its right-sizing strategy. The company has not determined how many jobs will be affected as a result of the closures and sales.

“Haggen’s goal going forward is to ensure a stable, healthy company that will benefit our customers, associates, vendors, creditors [and] stakeholders, as well as the communities we serve,” said Bill Shaner, Haggen CEO, Pacific Southwest. “By making the tough choice to close and sell some stores, we will be able to invest in stores that have the potential to thrive under the Haggen banner.”