Content about Economic history

May 17, 2013
Safeway and Safeway Foundation collectively raise $10.8 million for Special Olympics

Safeway and the Safeway Foundation on Friday announced they raised and donated more than $10.8 million in April for Easter Seals, Special Olympics and a range of other charities that support people with disabilities.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway and the Safeway Foundation on Friday announced they raised and donated more than $10.8 million in April for Easter Seals, Special Olympics and a range of other charities that support people with disabilities.

This year's campaign brings the total donation from the annual Support for People with Disabilities campaign, along with other fundraising activities, to $150 million to benefit some of the most respected and prominent charities that help people with disabilities live fuller lives.

May 14, 2013
Safeway increases quarterly dividend by 14%

Safeway announced that its board of directors approved an increase to its regular quarterly cash dividend from $0.175 per share to $0.20 per share, reflecting a 14% increase.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Tuesday announced that its board of directors approved an increase to its regular quarterly cash dividend from $0.175 per share to $0.20 per share, reflecting a 14% increase. 

The board also declared a cash dividend of $0.20 per share payable on July 11, 2013 to stockholders of record at the close of business on June 20, 2013.

April 29, 2013
Safeway elevates president Robert Edwards to CEO

Safeway announced that Robert Edwards, currently the company's president, will succeed Steven Burd as CEO when Burd retires as chairman and CEO on May 14. Edwards, 57, will also join the company's board of directors.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway late Monday announced that Robert Edwards, currently the company's president, will succeed Steven Burd as CEO when Burd retires as chairman and CEO on May 14. Edwards, 57, will also join the company's board of directors.

"Since he arrived here in 2004, Robert has successfully met every challenge he has faced," Burd stated. "He has demonstrated the ability to lead the company in all facets of its operations, and has earned the respect of the entire organization."

April 25, 2013
Safeway misses analyst sales expectations, shares drop

Safeway shares dropped dramatically Thursday morning as the company reported $10 billion in sales for its first quarter 2013 ended March 23, which is essentially flat as compared with the first quarter of 2012.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway shares dropped dramatically Thursday morning as the company reported $10 billion in sales for its first quarter 2013 ended March 23, which is essentially flat as compared with the first quarter of 2012. An identical-store sales increase of 1.5% (excluding fuel) was offset primarily by the disposition of Genuardi's stores in 2012 and lower fuel sales in 2013. 

April 15, 2013
Reports: University of Utah opens pharmacy education, research center

The University of Utah's College of Pharmacy has opened a new research organization designed to encourage collaboration and interaction, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — The University of Utah's College of Pharmacy has opened a new research organization designed to encourage collaboration and interaction, according to published reports.

The Salt Lake City-based Deseret News reported on the opening of the L.S. Skaggs Pharmacy Institute, a 150,000-sq.-ft. facility that includes open lab space.

April 1, 2013
Safeway launches annual campaign for people with disabilities

Safeway has launched its annual April fundraising campaign to benefit people with disabilities, the supermarket chain said.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway has launched its annual April fundraising campaign to benefit people with disabilities, the supermarket chain said Monday.

The company said The Safeway Foundation, its philanthropic arm, had launched the campaign to benefit Easter Seals, Special Olympics and other groups, saying its Support for People with Disabilities campaign had contributed more than $140 million.

March 27, 2013
The new Albertsons unveils executive moves

With its acquisition of five retail grocery banners from Supervalu now complete, Albertsons LLC has outlined its new executive management team.

BOISE, Idaho — With its acquisition of five retail grocery banners from Supervalu now complete, Albertsons LLC has outlined its new executive management team.

March 26, 2013
Safeway signs agreement to install SoloHealth Stations across store base

Safeway has agreed to install SoloHealth Station kiosks across almost 700 stores as part of a multiyear agreement, SoloHealth announced Tuesday.

ATLANTA — Safeway has agreed to install SoloHealth Station kiosks across almost 700 stores as part of a multiyear agreement, SoloHealth announced Tuesday. 

“Safeway shares our commitment of empowering consumers to take charge of their health,” stated Stephen Kendig, chief commercial officer and EVP SoloHealth. “We believe that access, awareness and education are keys to a healthy lifestyle, and we’re bringing comprehensive health and wellness services directly to Safeway’s customers.”

March 22, 2013
American Stores founder Sam Skaggs dies at 89

American Stores founder Sam Skaggs died of natural causes at his home Thursday, according to a report in the Salt Lake Tribune.

SALT LAKE CITY — American Stores founder Sam Skaggs died of natural causes at his home Thursday, according to a report in the Salt Lake Tribune. He was 89 years old. 

Retail pharmacy was the family business. Skaggs was the grandson of Safeway founder Marion Skaggs. And his father, Leonard Skaggs, operated PayLess Drug Stores since 1939. 

March 20, 2013
Report: Albertsons expected to be reunited under one operator on Thursday

Supervalu’s sale of Albertsons stores to Cerberus Capital Management will reportedly close Thursday at midnight, according to a published report by StateImpact Idaho.

BOISE, Idaho — Supervalu’s sale of Albertsons stores to Cerberus Capital Management will reportedly close Thursday at midnight, according to a published report by StateImpact Idaho.

March 15, 2013
Safeway declares quarterly dividend

Safeway announced that its board of directors met declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.175 per share.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Friday announced that its board of directors met Thursday and declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.175 per share. 

The cash dividend will be payable on April 11 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 25.

Safeway shares were down 7 cents to $24.31 in early-morning trading Friday.

March 15, 2013
Safeway EVP retail operations Bruce Everette retires

Safeway announced the retirement of Bruce Everette, EVP retail operations. Kelly Griffith, current president of merchandising, has been chosen to succeed Everette.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Friday announced the retirement of Bruce Everette, EVP retail operations. Kelly Griffith, current president of merchandising, has been chosen to succeed Everette.

"We are deeply grateful to Bruce for his significant and lasting contribution to our company's success," stated Steve Burd, chairman and CEO. "He is the consummate operating executive whose results and people-oriented approach to the business leave an unmistakable imprint on who we are as a company."

March 14, 2013
Safeway named to think tank's list of 'World's Most Ethical Companies'

Safeway has been named one of the 2013 World's Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute, the company announced Thursday.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway has been named one of the 2013 World's Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute, the company announced Thursday.  

March 7, 2013
Safeway provides glimpse of new wellness platform

Safeway offered a glimpse of its new wellness platform, slated to launch in the second quarter, to analysts during the chain's 2013 investor conference.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Wednesday offered a glimpse of its new wellness platform, slated to launch in the second quarter, to analysts during the chain's 2013 investor conference here. "Today, we're a supermarket company … selling wellness services and wellness products," Steve Burd, Safeway chairman and CEO, told analysts. Within 10 years, Safeway will transform into a wellness company that happens to sell food, Burd said. 

February 27, 2013
Safeway contracts OneHealth Solutions on comprehensive 'healthy living' service for employees

OneHealth Solutions on Wednesday announced that Safeway has selected OneHealth to help support healthy living for its 171,000 employees.

SOLANA BEACH, Calif. — OneHealth Solutions on Wednesday announced that Safeway has selected OneHealth to help support healthy living for its 171,000 employees. "Safeway is committed to developing programs that enable our employees to make informed and sustainable healthcare decisions," stated Kent Bradley, SVP and chief medical officer at Safeway. "We offer a number of innovative healthcare programs, and integrating a peer support program like OneHealth allows us to leverage the power of the community to support individuals on their health journey."

February 25, 2013
Introducing the new Albertsons

When Albertson's LLC announced last month that its parent company, AB Acquisition, an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management, signed an agreement to acquire 877 stores from Supervalu in a deal valued at some $3.3 billion — a move that will reunite all Albertsons stores under one operator — it recast the rankings of the industry's leading pharmacy retailers.

When Albertson's LLC announced last month that its parent company, AB Acquisition, an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management, signed an agreement to acquire 877 stores from Supervalu in a deal valued at some $3.3 billion — a move that will reunite all Albertsons stores under one operator — it recast the rankings of the industry's leading pharmacy retailers.

February 22, 2013
Personalization, omnichannel and wellness: Establishing a strong consumer proposition at Safeway

Safeway on Thursday reported a 1.3% annual sales lift to $44.2 billion for its fiscal 2012. The year-end sales lift was driven by increased fuel sales and a same-store sales increase of 0.5% (excluding fuel), the grocer reported.

However, from listening to this last conference call, coming out of a year that has been framed more by Safeway's challenges than Safeway's opportunity on Wall Street, you get the sense that 2012 was 2012 and that this 2013 party has only just begun.

Safeway on Thursday reported a 1.3% annual sales lift to $44.2 billion for its fiscal 2012. The year-end sales lift was driven by increased fuel sales and a same-store sales increase of 0.5% (excluding fuel), the grocer reported. 

February 21, 2013
Safeway reports Q4 sales, projects Q1 comps of 2% based on strong uptake in loyalty program

Safeway reported a sales increase of 1.3% to $44.2 billion in 2012 for its fiscal year ended Dec. 29, driven by increased fuel sales and a same-store sales increase of 0.5% (excluding fuel), the grocer reported.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Thursday reported a sales increase of 1.3% to $44.2 billion in 2012 for its fiscal year ended Dec. 29, driven by increased fuel sales and a same-store sales increase of 0.5% (excluding fuel), the grocer reported. Safeway chairman and CEO Steve Burd projected identical sales as high as 2% in the first quarter of 2013, in part because of the success Safeway has had with its loyalty program Just 4 U. 

February 14, 2013
Views of economy improve, but gloom persists, Nielsen study finds

More than half of consumers around the world say the world is in an economic recession, according to a new study by Nielsen.

NEW YORK — More than half of consumers around the world say the world is in an economic recession, according to a new study by Nielsen.

According to the Nielsen Global Survey of Consumer Confidence and Spending Intentions, 71% of North Americans said they were in a recession in the fourth-quarter of 2012, but this represented a drop in 15 percentage points from the fourth-quarter of 2011, representing the largest drop in negative sentiments about the economy of any area.

January 10, 2013
Safeway employees donated more than 1 million volunteer hours in 2012

Safeway announced that its employees gave more than 1 million hours of volunteer service to their neighborhoods and communities in 2012 - surpassing the company's goal for the second consecutive year and reinforcing a long-standing culture of volunteerism.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Thursday announced that its employees gave more than 1 million hours of volunteer service to their neighborhoods and communities in 2012 - surpassing the company's goal for the second consecutive year and reinforcing a long-standing culture of volunteerism.

January 10, 2013
Supervalu sells 877 stores, reuniting Albertsons under one operator

In a move that will reunite all Albertsons stores under one operator, Supervalu on Thursday morning announced a definitive agreement under which it will sell 877 stores across the Albertsons, Acme, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s and Star Market banners and related Osco and Sav-on in-store pharmacies to AB Acquisition, an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management, in a transaction valued at $3.3 billion.

MINNEAPOLIS — In a move that will reunite all Albertsons stores under one operator, Supervalu on Thursday morning announced a definitive agreement under which it will sell 877 stores across the Albertsons, Acme, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s and Star Market banners and related Osco and Sav-on in-store pharmacies to AB Acquisition, an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management, in a transaction valued at $3.3 billion.

January 3, 2013
Safeway chief to retire in May

Safeway late Wednesday announced that Steve Burd, its long-time chairman and CEO, will retire at the company's annual stockholders meeting on May 14, 2013.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway late Wednesday announced that Steve Burd, its long-time chairman and CEO, will retire at the company's annual stockholders meeting on May 14, 2013. Safeway's board will begin a search for a successor, and will consider both internal and external candidates for the job, the grocer stated.  

November 20, 2012
Safeway reaffirms commitment to National Guard employees

Safeway chairman and CEO Steve Burd on Monday signed a Statement of Support for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, at a ceremony at the company's corporate offices in Pleasanton, Calif., ESGR stated.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Safeway chairman and CEO Steve Burd on Monday signed a Statement of Support for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, at a ceremony at the company's corporate offices in Pleasanton, Calif., ESGR stated. 

"We are honored to reaffirm Safeway's support for our employees in the National Guard and Reserve," Burd said. "No other public service could be more important than providing support to our men and women in uniform."

November 19, 2012
Safeway issues call for entries for Eighth Annual Lucerne The Art of Dairy Contest

Safeway and its exclusive Lucerne brand on Friday announced the Eighth Annual Lucerne The Art of Dairy Art Contest to give creative art students the opportunity to showcase their design skills for a chance to win a grand prize of $30,000, part of a combined $46,000 prize pool.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway and its exclusive Lucerne brand on Friday announced the Eighth Annual Lucerne The Art of Dairy Contest to give creative art students the opportunity to showcase their design skills for a chance to win a grand prize of $30,000, part of a combined $46,000 prize pool.

November 9, 2012
Safeway expands support of military veterans

Safeway on Friday announced it will expand its support of America's military veterans by hiring at least 1,000 military veterans in 2013 to add to the 1,300 hired to-date in 2012.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Friday announced it will expand its support of America's military veterans by hiring at least 1,000 military veterans in 2013 to add to the 1,300 hired to-date in 2012. In addition, the company is raising money this Veterans Day weekend for organizations that help veterans recover from service-related injuries and/or return to the civilian workforce.