Haggen proud to continue as part of Albertsons Companies

BELLINGHAM, Wash., June 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Albertsons Companies and Haggen announced that the 15 core Haggen Northwest Fresh stores will begin the first day of operation today as a standalone business unit in the Albertsons Companies family of banners. Haggen will continue its commitment to provide the best in fresh and local products to its guests in western Washington as it has throughout its eight decades in business.

"Founded in Bellingham in 1933, Haggen is here to stay in the Northwest," said John Clougher, who will continue to lead the 15 Haggen stores as GVP and General Manager. "Our friendly employees are as passionate as ever about providing our guests the highest quality local products and exceptional service. Our support for regional farms, ranches and fisheries underpins our commitment to a sustainable local food economy. We look forward to serving our loyal guests and inviting our neighbors in to see how we will continue to evolve and invest in these communities."

As a decentralized organization, Albertsons Companies invests in its local operations and empowers them to make decisions locally while still leveraging the scale of a large company. This strategy has produced great stores for Albertsons Companies and the banners that have joined its family, including respected names like Acme, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Star Market, the United Family of Supermarkets and, most recently, Safeway, Tom Thumb, Randalls and Vons.

"We are committed to investing in Haggen's brand and stores, and applying our proven playbook to foster continued growth of its deep roots in the Northwest," said Bob Miller, Albertsons Companies Chairman & CEO. "This is a great opportunity to grow a brand that shares many of our values, including offering exceptional service and the best in fresh, local products."

The following Haggen Northwest Fresh store locations will comprise the core stores that will operate as a standalone business unit:

Albertsons Companies also announced in March that it signed an agreement to acquire 14 Haggen stores that will transition back into its Seattle and Portland operating divisions under the Albertsons banner in the coming weeks; these stores were acquired by Haggen from Albertsons in 2015.

About Haggen

Founded in 1933 in Bellingham, Washington, Haggen has built its business on providing guests the freshest and most local products with genuine service, while supporting the communities it serves. Throughout its eight decades in business, the stores have supported regional farms, ranches, fisheries and other businesses, creating a lasting and sustainable local food economy.

About Albertsons Companies

Albertsons Companies is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, with both a strong local presence and national scale. We operate stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 18 well-known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market and Carrs.

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SOURCE Albertsons Companies