Sobeys is pushing west, buying out Safeway as they go (pending approval by the Competition Bureau who could make Sobeys sell off smaller chains or some stores to allow the deal to go through).
If you work for Safeway, they have not announced if there will be layoffs, although they did mention merging management teams to save costs, so it is possible. It is also still unclear whether they will keep the chain as Safeway or change them to Sobeys stores to strengthen their position against Loblaws.
Will this change your shopping habits if you shop at Safeway?
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Thanks for letting us know ShwaGirl
Personally, I’m really saddened by this. My Hubby remembers growing up in Vancouver and going to Safeway as a child. I remember taking my daughter (now almost 3) to the Safeway(s) in the ‘Peg. I hope they retain the banner, and their unique products. If not, then Shoppers and Superstore will continue to get my hard earned $, but on a larger scale, as I won’t go to Sobey’s (not a fan of them – having shopped at them many times in Ontario).
Hope they keep Lucerne products! I also like their 3-day sales!
I’ve never liked Sobey’s
I don’t think we have Sobey’s in the west, but regardless, I LOVE Safeway! I go there probably once a week… it’s one of my favorite grocery stores (I really like the atmosphere, etc. etc.) Oh no. I am worried now!!
@ Jenny, Sobeys is in all provinces now. Not Yukon, NWT or Nunavut
http://www.sobeys.com/Choose-Store.aspx?returnURL=%2fen%2fFind-A-Store.aspx
Wow, this could be interesting! I love the ‘atmosphere’ and experience of shopping at Safeway, but their prices are killer and they rarely have decent sales. Sobey’s has much better prices and great specials, but their stores aren’t as nice.
I know it’s location dependent upon what everyone’s experience is with stores, though.
I am personally hoping it brings prosperity to the atlantic provinces…we are struggling as it is…I have lived in the west and absolutely love safeway…so maybe it will go both ways…maybe sobeys will open safeway stores in the east?
Say goodbye to earning Air Miles from Safeway as Sobeys have their own loyalty program and earning Aeroplan is also an option.
We have both a Sobey’s and Safeway near where I live in Calgary. I love Sobey’s can’t beat their bakery and Deli and I try to avoid Safeway they are too overpriced. It will be interesting to see what happens to the stores where there are 2 nearby.
Ivan, sobeys gives out airmiles in the maritime’s so maybe they will bring that out west also,
In Ontario, Metro/Food Basics has Airmiles instead of Sobeys (Maritimes). Ontario Sobeys are also incredibly expensive, competing with Loblaws. Sobey’s ‘discount ‘stores include Frescho and Foodland. I *think* I remember Safeway in Ontario in the 70s. They were pretty nasty stores (Toronto area anyhow). We’re getting less and less choice 🙁
Food Basics does not have Airmiles, only Sobeys
Air Miles varies from province to province. Sobeys Ontario does not have Air Miles.