Reader comments
34 former Albertsons now 'Fresh Market' stores

Anonymous | 1:00 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

This is a good thing, but I will miss the delicious albertsons cookies. Associated Foods cookies could not compare.

Your wrong | 1:08 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Perfect, so going along with the whole swine flu article, Fresh market has a great idea, lets give away free sugar to everyone, since it is known to suppress the immune system more then any other substance.

D | 1:43 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

To Your wrong,
Under the category of there is always some Bozo who will find something critical to say about something no matter what it is,sugar stores quite well and does not need to be eaten in a short period of time. You could use it now and sweeten up your dispostion or use it later and learn to be more positive.

Comments continue below

AFS | 1:47 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Owns all. If they don't own you, then you are a member store and there is little difference!

Albertsons Cookies | 1:48 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Albertsons Chocolate Chip Cookies are he best cookies made. I guess I will just have to wait til I go to California to buy them

Re: Your wrong | 1:08 p.m | 2:05 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Did you get out of the wrong side of the bed this morning? Haven't had your noon-time coffee yet?

The junior Bagger | 2:49 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

This is actually a sad day even though it was only the Utah Albertsons division sold by SuperValu. Joe A and all the Boise boys fought hard to make a presence in Utah in the 70's, and now they are toast--thanks to Larry Johnston, the guy that the Alb board hired 10 years ago to run the chain. . . .he came from the division of GE that sold toasters. . . . boy, that was clever! So, naturally, he did what he knew how to do: toast the Alb business model, run it into the ground, extract $40M for himself, build a new home on 17-mile drive in Carmel, extract millions for the Joe Albertson sons-in-law, and then leave people who had worked their whole lives for Big Blue in the lurch

Gramma | 2:58 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Hope they light up the store in South Ogden on Harrison. It has been so dreary going into it, that we just stopped going even though someone redid that store several years so. It was for the worse, not the best.

Albertsons chocolate chip cookie | 3:19 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Yes, Albertsons chocolate chip cookies are the very best - I agree. They are one major reason for going into the store, especially when on sale. Fresh Market people, are you listening? Lousy chocloate chip cookies won't do, when with a little effort, you can make them great. Three stores in Washington County will still be Albertsons - that may be worth the trip.

Good luck to AFS | 3:22 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Farewell to Albertsons, I loved that store, and good luck to AFS. Hopefully AFS can have good luck and not suffer the same fate.

A good change | 3:34 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

I am excited for the change. It will be nice to have products in the stores and lower prices.

Jordan T. | 3:36 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Albertson's has been in trouble financially for sometime now--for the last 10 years or so, in fact, and they have been on a gradual decline ever since.

They have faced really stiff competition from the likes of Wal-Mart, Target, and Fred Meyer, and can't seem to offer a low price alternative.

That said, being from Las Vegas originally, it would be so nice to have a new Safeway or a Vons go up in the Salt Lake market, where you can buy full-strength-beer, wine, and hard liquor all in one place.

Sounds good to me | 3:41 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

I almost never shopped at Albertson's, the regular prices were high, and unless you wanted 10 of something the sales were usually about the same as regular prices elsewhere. Hoping for some better deals.

Naruto | 4:05 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Albertson's prices were ridiculous, I'm glad to see them go. AFS better lower the prices or they will go the same way.

Anonymous | 4:16 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

I've always liked Albertsons but thought they were a bit pricey. I look forward to better pricing and hope Fresh Market will carry the same chicken chipotle pasta salad in their deli. That stuff is so good!

Anonymous | 4:22 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

What is happening to the Draper store on 114th.

CougarKeith | 4:43 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

If Associated is smart they will have a sweet thing going. They fill Kents, Harmons, Winnegers, and several others with the exception of Smith's and Wal-Mart. They can make out here by saving us on what they charge competition for shipping. This can be a very sweet deal for them and Utahns. How this pans out for them is up to them basically. Associated is National, not local, they are going on the fact they have a local WARE-HOUSE, to call themselves "LOCAL". This new SUPER STORE discount grocer and Wal-Mart could chase them, Harmons, Smiths and the rest right out of business! SHOP SMART, SHOP TO NOT CREATE MONOPOLIES!!! This is why Wal-Mart is upping their prices very slowly, it started with the "NEW REMODELING" they did, compare prices, they are not so great anymore. In fact Sam Walton is rolling over in his grave, I guarentee you!!! Go get them Associated!!!

jefejivaro | 4:48 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Actually, the best grocery store chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies are at Kohlers in Lehi and Alpine...yummm!! I try to buy some every time I go past!

Albertson's prices were too high, but so are Walmart's and Target. Smith's and the various AFS-owned and affiliated stores are pretty reasonable if you shop the sales. Another nice thing about AFS is their meats. Their chicken is not adulterated by adding water or saline solution like Smith's is, nor is most of their pork. Do the Smith's meat buyers think we haven't caught on that chicken and pork don't need additives to be juicy? Where on earth did the "juice" come from before they started adding it? Pretty sleazy way to increase their profits: add free water to meat and charge for it by the pound! Three cheers to Costco as well for resisting that trend!!

cookiemama | 5:23 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

If you're really worried about the cookies, go get you free 5 lb bag of sugar, buy some other staples, and make your own. ;o)

Yeah But | 5:39 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

I sure do miss my Albertson's Double Coupons. I used to spend most of my grocery budget at Albies and get LOADS of free groceries. Now I'll have to make due with the other stores that never have double coupons. Bummer.

Anonymous | 5:58 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Albertsons is staying around in West Jordan until the stores can get sold.

Anonymous | 6:39 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

My choice is Harmon's... They're the best in price, produce and meat.

West Valley Shopper | 6:46 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

I have been told the Chocolate chip cookies will be available at Super Saver on 3500 So. Haven't verified it yet. The 3600 west and 3500 south store at 4:00 today had Albertsons products still on the shelf, Albertsons signs in the store, and no Fresh Market labeled anything, and no Western family stuff on shelves yet. Hope they hurry before we all give up on them!

Robert - St. George | 6:53 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Well I am a very lucky guy. We get to keep Albertson's here in Dixie. It seems kind of funny that Associated is going to compete with Associated. You have Dick's Market and a mile away you now have Fresh Market. Associated already has to compete with Super Target and Super Wal Mart and now they will go after each other. I know most of my friend's in Davis County will stick with Dick's. I am glad that I still have Albertson's, who competes against Associated by the name of Lin's.

Good Bye | 7:26 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Will miss you Albertsons. My kids were box boys and worked their way through school thanks to you. Thanks for the memories and the wonderful people from Draper 114th South Store!

Grandma Green | 7:40 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

I have to say to all you cookie lovers that it really is true that sugar disables your immune system. You would be better off eating some veggies instead of the cookies. Just keeping it real.

that's incorrect | 11:04 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

So Dick King says that all 2,700 employes were hired on except for a few who were close to retirement. I'm 22 no where near retirement and I wasn't hired on. I worked for Albertsons for more than four years never keeping the same position because I kept getting promoted. Associated foods said they would not keep me on at my current role so I went and found an open position at an other store where I would be taking a pay cut and still they didn't hire me. I was excited about the transition and figured that it would enable us to serve our customers better, but over the last three months I have found that The higher ups at Associated don't care about the customers at all. The only one I still thought that did Was Dick King, and after that comment he is the last at Associated to lose my respect

robert manning | 11:22 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

but it what states are these changes going on for example are they changing in idaho

Goodbye | 8:40 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

I will miss Albertsons. You could always find items at Albertsons that others stores did not sell. I'm not too optimistic that this will continue with the new owner. Albertsons stores always seemed neater and cleaner than other stores.
Albertsons has been a part of life since my family moved to Utah in the 60's. I worked at one for a couple of years as a teenager and have a lot of good memories. As I travel to St. George every 2 or 3 months I will be sure to stop in while I'm there.

Joanne | 8:46 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

I shopped at one of these stores in California, and I think it is great. It was almost like a larger Trader Joe's. They have low prices and new great variety. I'm excited.

K | 8:49 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

I went into our local one last night. Didn't show me a thing. I actually thought some of the prices were higher. But then I never shopped at Albertson's unless something was on sale.
Guess I'll give it a while, and try again.

Cheapskates | 8:58 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

I wonder if the new owners will pay more to the workers. Albertsons five bucks an hour for adult workers with little or no health or retirement benifits did not do much for anybody in any segment of society.
I pray that Safeway Stores come back from the dark corners of anti=union folk in Utah.

Former Albertson's girl | 9:38 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

I shopped Albertson's tons when I lived in Idaho, but since coming to Utah, I find their prices too high and their shelves poorly stocked. I went into one store 4 times in one week trying to buy their ad item. It was never in stock. I am wondering about Albertson's union employees. Associated doesn't pay well compared to Smith's and they don't do unions. So does that mean all the Albertson's employees are taking pay cuts?

to cheapskates | 10:14 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

they wont be paying more to us. In the meetings they held for associates or we are called now "team members" They were implying that wages will stay the same......for now. everything they said was......for now. I know the pay scales at Dan's and macys and they are no where near where Albertsons was. Needless to say, I've already applied at smiths.

Tension on Aisle 4 | 10:25 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

It'll be interesting to see how Associated's member stores feel about this. They already feel that AFS gives preference to Macy's, Dan's, Dick's, and Lin's, and they probably won't like that the Albertson's across the street is now competing with them using the same supplier, advertising, marketing team, etc. How do you get an edge or bigger slice of the pie when you use the same people for the same work? Right hand will always know what the left hand is planning.

Lower Your Prices | 10:45 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

I never shopped Albertsons because their prices were SO MUCH HIGHER than any other grocer in the city. LOWER YOUR PRICES and then your market share will increase.

Whoa Nellie | 11:01 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

This is bad news for my addiction problem. Albertson's ice cream is the best you can buy in a grocery store and that includes brands like Breyers, Farrs, Meadow Gold. Dreyers is a step below all of these and that Associated Foods Western Family brand is a big step below Dreyers. Albertson's has a much higher cream content and thus is much better than anything AFS will bring to town.

I'm going to St. George this weekend and OD on Alberston's ice cream. Yahoooo!

Change is Hard | 11:11 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

In this difficult time of a national recession, it is refreshing to hear that some 2,700 Utahns will retain their jobs. Far too many times the headlines read that businesses are going export jobs to foreign countries. Yes, the change from Alberston's to "Fresh Market" is hard for some folks who have enjoyed their past shopping experience. But good luck to a company that helped save 2,700 jobs!

to change is hard | 12:43 p.m. Nov. 3, 2009

yes for now. but wait until after the holidays when store after store starts getting closed. The store associated really wanted in this whole deal was the one in park City. the stores that get them huge profit they will keep, but they will be closing down store after store, not just AFM but also some dans, lins, etc...

Taylor | 4:07 p.m. Nov. 3, 2009

I don't think you have to drive to St. George...Seems that I remember reading in the DN earlier that some or all of the Utah County stores will remain Albertsons Stores. Hmmm, only problem is, Salt Lakers can't admit that Utah County exists, and won't set foot in Utah County. Good for us! Go ahead, drive to St. George!

Teri | 4:43 p.m. Nov. 3, 2009

I will also miss albies. I agree their regular prices were higher than other stores, but when they had special sales, with catalinas and double coupons, it was THE place to go to stock up. I have a basement room full of food storage I got at Albies when they had screaming good deals on cereals, canned goods, boxed cake mixes, etc. I am sad to see Albertsons change to market fresh/associated foods, or whatever they are calling it.

FYI | 5:49 p.m. Nov. 3, 2009

only st george and 2 in west jordan will remain albertsons for now the west jordan stores are up for sale, if they don't get bought employees there told me they wil be shut down by feb. st george will remain opened as they were not part of supervalu.

updated fyi | 6:26 p.m. Nov. 3, 2009

sine the original anoucement in july associated dropped a few.
After the sale, Albertsons, which has been in the Beehive state for nearly 60 years, will have nine stores left including two in Orem. The other stores are in West Jordan, Kearns, Tooele and St. George.

MichelleG | 7:03 p.m. Nov. 3, 2009

SuperValu is still looking for buyers for the other stores in Northern Utah. Most people believe they will close them if they can't find buyers soon. I also used to think Albertson's was overpriced, but I didn't understand how some of their promotions worked (especially with coupons). Once I got the hang of it, I found I was paying WAY less than Walmart for sale items (which was almost all I bought).

Optimistic | 7:04 p.m. Nov. 3, 2009

Some times change is hard...but it can also be good. Give things a chance to see what happens. The new items may be just as good and maybe better....the opinions of the employees and customers can change what you don't like about a product. Albertsons lost it's soul after the merger with Am. Stores and the sale to Supervalu was the last nail in the coffin. So this new sale to a local company is optimistic in the least...the C.E.O. worked for Alertsons back when it was Joes store still. Besides the same great people that always were there to help you will still be there for you. For the record 8 stores in Utah were not picked up.....

Zadruga Guy | 10:56 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009

To those complaining about what Albertsons pays: go get a job somewhere else that pays more. The only reason why Albertsons pays you low wages is because you AGREED to accept those low wages. Since you AGREED to it -- quit your whining!

If you quit acting like prima donnas and give your all to your employer and your customers then it is quite likely that your boss will see how valuable you are and give you a raise. But if you just do the minimum because you are bitter then you will not get paid more and might be the first employee let go when times get hard.

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