Albertson’s in Point Loma opened its doors Jan. 3, 1956, and on Thursday, May 4, it will serve its last customer. The famous landmark is closing shop after more than 50 years of being a part of Ocean Beach’s landscape.
“It is an under performing store,” said Lilia Rodriguez, public affairs manager for Albertson’s. “For Albertson’s, buying, selling and closing stores is a part of our daily business operation. The company is continuingly reviewing its assets to be sure it’s getting a solid return on its investments.”
When asked why after nearly six decades the Point Loma store was suddenly dubbed as an “under performing store,” Rodriguez declined to comment, saying that it is company policy not to discuss marketing strategies. She did say that all of the employees were going to be relocated to various Albertson’s in San Diego and no jobs would be lost due to the closing.
For some loyal customers, Albertson’s has been like an old friend and its departure evokes a potpourri of memories.
“I grew up three blocks from the store,” said Chris Stavros. “As a kid it was a place for me to collect empty bottles, cash them in and immediately run over to the Hostess cupcake rack and spend my money.”
Stavros now owns the Olive Tree Marketplace located 1.5 miles from Albertson’s. While the closing of the giant supermarket will bring new customers to his store, he is quick to admit that there is no way his store can fill the void once Albertson’s closes its doors.
“Although Albertson’s closing will increase my business, I am sad to see it go because it really is an institution in the area,” said Stavros. “My parents, who live a few blocks from Albertson’s, are beside themselves over the closing. They have been loyal customers and don’t really want to go further to do any kind of shopping.”
Albertson’s only closed once before and that was on Christmas Day, which brought a flood of business through the Olive Tree’s doors. All of this unexpected foot traffic caught Stavros and his staff off-guard.
The next closest stores besides Stavros’ are Vons and Appletree Supermarkets, both within 1.8 miles.
Taking a cue from that experience, Stavros is putting a strategy into place in preparation for the influx of customers he will get once Albertson’s goes dark.
“In the first few months after Albertson’s closes, we will probably get a large number of customers through the door and we’re preparing for that by enlarging our displays and increasing our inventories in certain areas,” said Stavros. “We are going to do whatever we can to provide as much as we can, but we are in no way in the position to inherit a large percentage of their business.”