Content about Pleasanton, California

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.