Safeway to Close Hayward Store in 2026, Aims to Save Jobs

UPDATE: Safeway has confirmed the closure of its supermarket in Hayward, California, set for February 2, 2026. The grocery chain aims to save jobs by transferring all 76 associates affected by the closure to nearby locations, according to a WARN letter sent to the state Employment Development Department.

The announcement comes as a significant development for employees and the local community, emphasizing Safeway’s commitment to avoiding layoffs. “We do not foresee any layoffs as a result of the closure,” stated Terra Powers, Vice President of Human Resources for Safeway’s Northern California division, in a letter dated November 5.

Safeway is actively working to ensure that all impacted workers, who are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 5 and Baker’s Union Local 125, will have opportunities for reassignment. The grocery chain confirmed that employees possess bumping rights, allowing senior workers to displace those with less seniority at other locations. However, the implications of this policy remain unclear, raising concerns about potential job losses at nearby stores.

The exact details regarding employee placements remain pending, with Safeway emphasizing its intent to relocate all associates to positions at nearby locations. “The exact placement of positions has not yet been completed,” Powers noted in the WARN letter, leaving many workers and their families anxious about the future.

Safeway stated that associates will continue working at the Hayward store to facilitate operations until its scheduled closure. This transition period will provide employees some stability before the store officially shuts its doors.

The closure of the Hayward location marks a pivotal moment for the local economy and the employees who have dedicated years to the store. As the situation develops, affected workers and community members are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming announcements from Safeway regarding their future employment options.

As the February 2026 closure date approaches, all eyes will be on Safeway for updates on the transition of affected employees. Stay tuned for more breaking news on this evolving story.