Supervalu to eliminate 800 positions

Minneapolis -- Supervalu said Tuesday that will reduce its national work force by approximately 800 positions as part of its long-term turn-around strategy and ongoing efforts to reduce costs. The reductions include both current positions and open jobs that will not be filled.



The affected positions include those at all company offices and crosses most departments, excluding, for the most part, store-level associates. Associates whose positions are eliminated will be eligible for severance and outplacement services based on the company's eligibility guidelines, said the grocer.



Supervalu said the reductions will take place by the end of the company's fiscal year on Feb. 25 and will include both current positions and open jobs that will not be filled.



“These reductions are necessary to help further strengthen and accelerate Supervalu’s business turnaround in a very competitive marketplace,” said Craig Herkert, Supervalu's CEO and president. Supervalu's strategic plan, which it introduced last year, focuses heavily on improving its retail business through planned price reductions and an emphasis on hyperlocal retailing at its more than 1,100 traditional retail stores across the country.



In addition, the company said it remains focused on investing capital into the growth of Save-A-Lot, its national, hard discount grocery store chain, as well as continuing to expand its wholesale distribution business to more than 2,000 independent retailers nationwide.