Four Safeway grocery stores in Southern Colorado, including two in Colorado Springs, one in Lamar, and one in La junta, are scheduled to close as part of what the company describes as “strategic consolidation” and “a growth accelerator.” The closures are expected to occur on or before Nov. 7.

According to a statement, these stores are among ten across the state slated for closure.Safeway and its parent company, Albertsons, stated that this decision will “enable us to continue investing in our store network and better align with evolving customer needs.”

“Together, these changes position us to operate in new and innovative ways that foster customer loyalty and long-term success,” the statement said.

Affected Locations

The following stores are set to close:

• 5060 North Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs
• 1425 S Murray Blvd., Colorado Springs
• 315 West 2nd St.,La Junta
• 906 E. Olive St., Lamar

The two Colorado Springs locations, situated on the east side of the city approximately eight miles apart, were previously identified as potential closures if a merger between Kroger and Albertsons had proceeded. Though, a federal judge temporarily blocked that merger the previous year.

“For many years, this store has been more then just a place to shop. It has been a gathering point, an employer, and a cornerstone of daily life for countless families in La Junta and across Southeastern Colorado.”

La Junta City Manager Michael Hart expressed his disappointment on social media, calling the closure “challenging.”