Aiming For Opening Sat Approx. 4 p.m.: Workers Working Now To Change Former Albertsons (Spring/Palo Verde) Into Brand New Haggen Market
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(June 19, 2015, 10:40 a.m.) -- In the midnight hour this morning (June 19), LBREPORT.com found workers working to transform the now-exited Albertsons market (Spring St./Palo Verde) into a brand new Haggen market.
UPDATE: Confirming what we'd been told unofficially overnight, an on-site manager told LBREPORT.com on Friday afternoon (June 19) that the new story is aiming for a Saturday afternoon June 20 opening at about 4:00 p.m.
Below are photos of what we saw in the midnight hour June 19.
As reported by LBREPORT.com in December 2014, Haggen is a Pacific northwest market chain and describes itself on its website as follows:
[Scroll down for photos and further.]
In the midnight hour, a worker scrubs the former Albertsons logo off to make way for Haggen's new signage.
Changes were underway inside, especially in the produce department where fresh goods will apparently be displayed on wooden pallates...
...with the company logo...
...which has also sprouted elsewhere.
Scroll down for further below.
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In a December 2014 release, Haggen stated:
[Dec. 2014 Haggen release text] Founded in 1933, Haggen, Inc. is one of the Pacific Northwest’s leading grocery chains. The Bellingham, Washington-based company operates stores in Washington and Oregon under the Haggen Northwest Fresh banner. It is the state’s sixth-largest private company with the majority of shares owned by Comvest Partners. Haggen is dedicated to providing its guests with the best of the Northwest. For more than 80 years, it has supported regional farms, ranches, fisheries and other businesses, creating a lasting and sustainable local food economy. Haggen is also deeply rooted in the communities it serves, providing support to local events and partnerships....
Scroll down for further below.
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The change stems from an agreement by Haggen [Dec. 2014 Haggen release text] to "acquire 146 stores as part of the divestment process brought about by the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) review of the Albertson’s LLC and Safeway merger. With this acquisition, which remains subject to FTC approval, Haggen will expand from 18 stores with 16 pharmacies to 164 stores with 106 pharmacies; from 2,000 employees to more than 10,000 employees; and from a Pacific Northwest company with locations in Oregon and Washington to a major regional grocery chain with locations in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and Arizona."
The company stated in December that "[a]ll Albertson’s LLC and Safeway store employees will have the opportunity to become employees of Haggen as their individual stores are transitioned to the Haggen banner. Haggen plans to retain the current store management teams."
