India, Aug. 18 -- For shoppers who have relied on the same Safeway for decades, the grocery trip is becoming a little different in several US communities. Safeway has continued closing selected stores in 2026, but its parent company Albertsons says the moves reflect a broader review of its store network rather than a decision to leave entire markets.

The latest closures have affected locations in California, Oregon and Washington, DC. Some stores ended operations after their leases expired, while Albertsons has moved employees from several closing locations to nearby stores. The company is also continuing to look for opportunities to open stores in areas where it sees stronger demand.

That approach means Safeway's 2026 closures are part...