Content about Pleasanton, California

January 31, 2012

Safeway on Monday named Lori Raya president of its Vons division.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Monday named Lori Raya president of its Vons division.

January 20, 2012

Safeway on Friday announced that employees volunteered more than 1 million hours in 2011 as a result of a companywide effort to mobilize its work force and transform communities.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Friday announced that employees volunteered more than 1 million hours in 2011 as a result of a companywide effort to mobilize its work force and transform communities.

"The number of hours, along with the stories about employees who unselfishly gave their valuable time, are inspiring and humbling," stated Larree Renda, Safeway EVP and chair of the Safeway Foundation. "Through their generosity, our employees are making a meaningful difference in the communities where they work and live."

January 20, 2012

Safeway on Friday said that the leader of its Vons division will retire after serving in the role for more than 10 years.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Friday said that the leader of its Vons division will retire after serving in the role for more than 10 years.

Tom Keller will retire from his post as president of Vons, a position he has held since 1999, on Feb. 1. An industry veteran that started his career as a food clerk in Safeway's Phoenix division more than 40 years ago, Keller "leaves an important imprint on the organization as an energetic and innovative leader," Safeway chairman, president and CEO Steve Burd said.

December 21, 2011

Safeway, in a release issued Wednesday, thanked its customers and employees for their generosity for donating food and toys to a number of Safeway Foundation charities this holiday season.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway, in a release issued Wednesday, thanked its customers and employees for their generosity for donating food and toys to a number of Safeway Foundation charities this holiday season.

December 14, 2011

Safeway on Tuesday named Al Duran to the role of president of the company's Denver division.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Tuesday named Al Duran to the role of president of the company's Denver division. He replaces Scott Grimmett, who is leaving Safeway for an opportunity with a noncompeting food retailer, the company stated.

"Al's results-oriented leadership style and experience on both the retail and the marketing side of our business will serve him well in his new assignment," Safeway chairman, president and CEO Steve Burd said. "He is also a Colorado native and knows that market well."

November 17, 2011

Safeway announced it is teaming up with Kraft Foods, customers, local food banks and broadcast partners to collect food donations at all Safeway stores now through Dec. 24, through the retailer's Help Us End Hunger (Every Bag Counts) food drive.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway announced it is teaming up with Kraft Foods, customers, local food banks and broadcast partners to collect food donations at all Safeway stores now through Dec. 24, through the retailer's Help Us End Hunger (Every Bag Counts) food drive.

As part of the campaign, Safeway has created a specially produced shopping bag filled with the items that food banks need the most. The bag, which will be available for $10 at all Safeway stores, includes:

  • Chicken of the Sea chunk white tuna;

November 14, 2011

Safeway dedicated Veterans Day weekend to pay tribute to past and present service members and raise money for an organization that provides programs and outreach to those who were severely injured while serving their country.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway dedicated Veterans Day weekend to pay tribute to past and present service members and raise money for an organization that provides programs and outreach to those who were severely injured while serving their country.

Beginning Veterans Day, Nov.  11 through Nov. 13, all U.S. Safeway stores helped raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project.

November 9, 2011

Nearly two-thirds of Americans believe flu shots prevent the flu, but only half plan to get the shot this year, according to the "Safeway Seasonal Wellness Survey," conducted by Kelton Research.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Nearly two-thirds of Americans believe flu shots prevent the flu, but only half plan to get the shot this year, according to the "Safeway Seasonal Wellness Survey," conducted by Kelton Research.

This is especially surprising, given that 89% said getting a flu shot is “as important” (50%) or “more important” (39%) than it was five years ago.

November 7, 2011

A new report by social media software maker Conversocial examined the customer service offerings of the 10 most loved and most hated retailers in the United States, and how these retailers are meeting the challenge of delivering great social media experiences for their customers.

NEW YORK — A new report by social media software maker Conversocial examined the customer service offerings of the 10 most loved and most hated retailers in the United States, and how these retailers are meeting the challenge of delivering great social media experiences for their customers.

October 13, 2011

Sales at Safeway are looking up thanks in large part to fuel gains, but the grocer's loyalty card program is expected to continue driving that sales momentum into next year as the company rolls out its Just for U digital marketing platform and explores health-and-wellness initiatives.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Sales at Safeway are looking up thanks in large part to fuel gains, but the grocer's loyalty card program is expected to continue driving that sales momentum into next year as the company rolls out its Just for U digital marketing platform and explores health-and-wellness initiatives.

October 3, 2011

Safeway on Monday named Portland, Ore., as the winner of its "America's Most Natural City" contest and will donate $20,000 and 25 picnic tables constructed from the Guinness World Record holder for the world's longest picnic table.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Monday named Portland, Ore., as the winner of its "America's Most Natural City" contest and will donate $20,000 and 25 picnic tables constructed from the Guinness World Record holder for the world's longest picnic table.

The contest was inspired by Safeway's commitment to 100% natural products with its new Open Nature line, the grocer stated.

September 6, 2011

Safeway on Tuesday announced its offering of flu shots in its grocery stores — positioning its flu season inoculation as more convenient to drug stores.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Tuesday announced its offering of flu shots in its grocery stores — positioning its flu season inoculation as more convenient to drug stores.

"Safeway makes getting a flu shot more convenient than most other retailers offering immunizations, because consumers visit grocery stores on a regular basis," the supermarket chain stated. "In an average month, 49% of those surveyed said they visit grocery stores most often, compared [with] 8% who said they visit drug stores most often."

August 29, 2011

Safeway is helping customers prepare for the flu season by offering a new deal for those that get inoculated at its pharmacies.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway is helping customers prepare for the flu season by offering a new deal for those that get inoculated at its pharmacies.

Customers that get their flu vaccine at Safeway will be awarded 10% off their next grocery purchase, according to the retailer's official blog.

Many retailers across the country have rolled out their flu vaccine programs this season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu shots for everyone ages 6 months and older.

July 25, 2011

A food distributor has penned a three-year agreement with a supermarket chain to provide customers with nonproprietary natural, organic and specialty products.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A food distributor has penned a three-year agreement with a supermarket chain to provide customers with nonproprietary natural, organic and specialty products.

United Natural Foods said it will assume distribution to all of Safeway's banners, effective this October. The company said it is expecting a brief transition period from Safeway's current distributors.

July 21, 2011

Safeway reported net income of $145.8 million, or 41 cents per diluted share, for second quarter 2011, compared with $141.3 million, or 37 cents per diluted share, during the year-ago period.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway reported net income of $145.8 million, or 41 cents per diluted share, for second quarter 2011, compared with $141.3 million, or 37 cents per diluted share, during the year-ago period.

The company reported that total sales increased 7.1% to $10.2 billion in second quarter 2011 from $9.5 billion in second quarter 2010. Identical-store sales, excluding fuel, saw a 0.5% increase.

July 15, 2011

Safeway on Thursday announced the resignation of Don Keprta, president of its Chicago-area Dominick's Finer Foods division.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Thursday announced the resignation of Don Keprta, president of its Chicago-area Dominick's Finer Foods division. 

"Don has contributed significantly to the Dominick's stores. His commitment and innovation helped the stores evolve to best serve the Chicagoland customers,” stated Steve Burd, Safeway chairman, president and CEO. “We are fortunate that he has produced a team that is prepared to continue to build on our current momentum.”

July 11, 2011

Canada Safeway last month quietly launched a new loyalty program called the SafewayClub Elite Customer, according to published reports.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Canada Safeway last month quietly launched a new loyalty program called the SafewayClub Elite Customer, according to published reports. Shoppers who qualify with a $125 weekly grocery bill can choose among a number of perks, including a nickel-per-liter discount off gasoline, 10% off roses and deli sandwiches, and cash back up to $300.

June 20, 2011

Safeway celebrated National Picnic Day on Saturday by breaking the Guinness World Record for longest picnic table and debuting its new private-label brand.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway celebrated National Picnic Day on Saturday by breaking the Guinness World Record for longest picnic table and debuting its new private-label brand.

The record-setting picnic, held at the Marina Green in San Francisco, featured Safeway's Open Nature, a newly launched line of all-natural foods that includes meat and poultry, bread, yogurt, ice cream and salad dressing products, that were prepared by Food Network chef Tyler Florence. Safeway also succeeded at building a table exceeding 305 ft.

June 7, 2011

Safeway once again is raising funds to support prostate cancer research.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway once again is raising funds to support prostate cancer research.

The retailer said that its month-long annual prostate cancer campaign, now in its 11th year, seeks to raise funds that will be donated to prostate cancer research. Safeway has donated more than $65.4 million to date.

May 25, 2011

Safeway on Wednesday announced that Valerie Lewis, the grocer’s assistant VP legal, was named to the "Top Women in Retail and Finance" list by Women of Color magazine.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Wednesday announced that Valerie Lewis, the grocer’s assistant VP legal, was named to the "Top Women in Retail and Finance" list by Women of Color magazine.

April 28, 2011

Net income for Safeway dropped due to a tax charge and the retailer's decision to repatriate $1.1 billion from its wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, although the company noted revenue rose nearly 5%.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Net income for Safeway dropped due to a tax charge and the retailer's decision to repatriate $1.1 billion from its wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, although the company noted revenue rose nearly 5%.

Net income for the first quarter ended March 26 dropped to $25.1 million, or 7 cents per diluted share, compared with $96 million, or 25 cents per diluted share, in first quarter 2010. Excluding the tax charge, Safeway said first-quarter net income was $105.3 million, or 29 cents per diluted share.

April 25, 2011

After being hemmed in by recession, cash flow problems and costs, a venerable lion of West Coast food and drug retailing is roaring again. 


April 12, 2011

Darren Singer, a 25-year GlaxoSmithKline veteran, has been named Safeway's SVP pharmacy, health and wellness, the retailer announced.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Darren Singer, a 25-year GlaxoSmithKline veteran, has been named Safeway's SVP pharmacy, health and wellness, the retailer announced.

Singer will be responsible for retail pharmacy operations, specialty care, pharmacy services, compliance, benefit management and managed care for Safeway. He will report to Safeway's merchandising president, Kelly Griffith.

April 1, 2011

Safeway on Friday announced the start of its companywide fundraising campaign for Easter Seals, Special Olympics, Rebuilding Together and a range of job training programs that help people with disabilities live fuller lives.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Friday announced the start of its companywide fundraising campaign for Easter Seals, Special Olympics, Rebuilding Together and a range of job training programs that help people with disabilities live fuller lives.

March 25, 2011

Safeway this week received an award for demonstrating commitment to various causes through financial support and encouragement.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway this week received an award for demonstrating commitment to various causes through financial support and encouragement.

The retailer said it received the 2011 Freeman Philanthropic Services Award for Outstanding Corporation from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. AFP presented the award to Safeway's EVP Larree Renda, who also serves as chair for the company's charitable organization, the Safeway Foundation.