Gelson’s will take over the former Haggen store at 730 Turquoise St. in North Pacific Beach and open a new grocery store there early next year. Gelson’s also won final approval to buy five other Haggen properties in Southern California, including another one in San Diego at Via De La Valle, Del Mar. Terms of the agreement were not announced.
“We’re excited to become part of these communities, a process that may take time in order to customize stores for each neighborhood,” said Gelson’s president and CEO Rob 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. Each Gelson’s Market features the full amenities of a traditional supermarket, with the local flavor of a neighborhood market. For more information about Gelson’s, visit www.gelsons.com.