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:
"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.