California grocery chain to acquire 6 Haggen stores

Gelson's Markets has won final approval to buy six Haggen properties in Southern California.

Gelson's successfully bid on the following six Haggen stores across five counties:

• 
  Los Angeles County: 2627 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica


• 
  Orange County: 25636 Crown Valley Parkway, Ladera Ranch


• 
  Riverside County: 36-101 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage


• 
  San Diego County: 2707 Via De La Valle, Del Mar; 730 Turquoise Street, San Diego


• 
  Ventura County: 1736 Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks

"We're excited to become part of these communities, a process that may take time in order to customize stores for each neighborhood," said McDougall. "Our goal is to retain as many local Haggen workers as possible while also giving opportunities to existing Gelson's employees, as well as others who wish to join the Gelson's family."

Haggen filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this past September. Gelson's was selected as Stalking Horse bidder in mid-October and anticipates closing on the stores late this year. Gelson's plans to relaunch its purchased stores early next year under its own brand with initial improvements to product selection and merchandising, followed several months later by redesign and construction. Existing pharmacies will remain open during the transition. In addition to the newly acquired locations, Gelson's is on track to open new stores in Rancho Mission Viejo and Manhattan Beach.

Founded in 1951, Gelson's currently operates 18 full-service specialty grocery stores in Southern California.