You Need to Know: Are Sierra Vista, Benson and Bisbee Safeways on Kroger’s Sale List?

If you live in Maricopa or Pima counties, stores come and go, but they don't make as much of an impact as they do in Cochise County.

For example, if you live in Tucson and don't like to shop at the Speedway store, you can drive to the Swan store and shop there.

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Cochise County is much different. We don't use streets to identify the Safeway store where we shop; it's simply "Safeway." In Sierra Vista it goes without saying that it's the store on Fry Boulevard, and if you don't shop at Safeway, you probably pick up groceries at Fry's. The same goes for Bisbee, Benson, and Willcox.

Arizona's Grocery Store Shake-Up: The Effect on Cochise County

When news first broke about the proposed merger between Kroger and Albertson's, residents of Arizona's smaller towns started to brace themselves. Kroger is the parent company for Fry's, and Safeway operates as a banner for Albertson's.

READ MORE: Do You Want This Giant Grocery Store Merger?

Arizona’s grocery landscape is about to change. As Kroger moves closer to its $24.6 billion purchase of Alberton's companies, it must divest—or sell—some of the assets to win regulatory approval.

Kroger has identified 101 Safeway and Albertsons stores it plans to sell to wholesale grocers C & S Wholesale Grocers, who own Piggly Wiggly and other brands, primarily located in the Midwest, the South, and Northeastern United States.

The planned closure and sales are intended to prevent a grocery store monopoly and to maintain fair competition.

Kroger Releases a Planned Sales List of Safeway and Albertson's Stores

Kroger released its list of Safeway and Albertson's it plans to sell across Arizona. Major cities like Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa will see stores change hands. The biggest impact will be felt in smaller communities.

READ MORE: Huge Discount Chain Closing Stores: How Many in Arizona?

According to Kroger's complete list of divestitures, right now only one store in Cochise County will be affected. The Safeway at 2190 E Fry Boulevard, Sierra Vista will likely be sold to C&S Wholesale Grocers. 

Kroger and C&S Wholesale Grocers are trying to minimize disruptions for employees and shoppers during the transition. Time will tell how the changes affect employees and the surrounding communities.

Sources: Kroger Divestiture Statement |  Safeway.com | AZ Central | C & S Wholesale Grocers