IRVINE, CA - Look out California grocery stores! Haggen is entering the ring. As of March 9th, 2015, Haggen has taken ownership of its very first store in California, a former Albertsons location in Carlsbad. 

The new store is remodeled to highlight Haggen’s locally sourced products alongside big brands, and opened its doors to customers on Wednesday, March 11. The pharmacy will be open during the conversion starting mid-day Monday. 

“We’re excited about the changes we’re making to enhance these stores with more locally sourced food offerings, genuine service and homemade quality, and we’re confident customers will like the new look, convenience and value offered at our new Haggen one-stop, full-service grocery destinations,” said Bill Shaner, Haggen CEO Pacific Southwest. “Haggen has built its 81-year-old business on providing excellent fresh produce and high-quality meats and seafood. That focus will definitely be reflected in each of the 100 stores we’re opening in California, Nevada and Arizona, introducing shoppers to Haggen’s unique mix of healthy, hassle-free offerings.” 

As we’ve previously reported, the company is planning to convert 83 California stores to the Haggen banner in the first half of 2015. 

Once Haggen's acquisitions are completed, the company will have expanded from 18 stores with 16 pharmacies to 164 stores with 106 pharmacies, and from 2,000 employees to more than 10,000 employees. According to a press release, the company is also expanding from having locations only in Oregon and Washington, to a major regional grocery chain with locations also in California, Nevada, and Arizona.  

The California conversions are set to occur throughout March, April, and May. The 26 Washington store conversions began in mid-February, and 20 Oregon store conversions will begin in mid-March. The last to be converted are the 7 Nevada and 10 Arizona stores in late spring.

Haggen