Safeway in La Junta to Permanently Close Nov. 7, 2025 — City Vows to Support Workers and Seek New Grocery Options

Description: The Safeway store at 315 W. 2nd St. in La Junta will close permanently on November 7, 2025, impacting around 60 employees. Safeway Inc. says it hopes to transfer some associates to other locations, but final placements are not yet confirmed. The City of La Junta expressed sadness at the closure, calling the store a longtime community cornerstone. City leaders pledged to support employees through workforce development resources and to work with regional and national partners to bring in new grocery options for residents. “This closure is difficult, but it is not the end of La Junta’s story,” said City Manager Michael Hart, emphasizing the community’s resilience. Local officials, the Chamber of Commerce, and economic development teams are already engaged in finding solutions.

Letter from Albertsons to La Junta City Officials:

Permanent Closing of the Safeway Store No. 3723, located at 315 W. 2nd St., La Junta, CO 81050

To Ms. Hoopes, Mayor Ayala, and Commissioner Oquist:

We are writing to advise you of a store closing and the transfer of associates by Safeway Inc. and its affiliates, that are expected to take place at Safeway Store No. 3723, located at 315 W. 2nd St., La Junta, Colorado.

There are 60 associates currently assigned to Safeway Store 3723 and we hope to place some of the associates into a position at another location. The exact positions have not yet been completed. In the meantime, to ensure compliance with federal and state laws regarding facility closures, we are providing you with this notice. The store is expected to close to the public on November 7, 2025, but associates could continue to work at the store to close operations for a period of time after that date.

Letter from City of La Junta:

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the news that our Safeway grocery store will be closing its doors permanently. For many years, this store has been more than just a place to shop — it has been a gathering point, an employer, and a cornerstone of daily life for countless families in La Junta and across Southeastern Colorado.

Our hearts go out to the employees and their families who are directly impacted by this decision. Their hard work, dedication, and friendly service have been deeply valued by our community. We want them to know they have our full support, and the City will work alongside our partners in workforce development and economic assistance to ensure resources are available during this transition.

While this closure is difficult, it is not the end of La Junta’s story. Our community is resilient. We are already engaging with regional and national partners to explore new grocery options that will meet the needs of our residents and strengthen our local economy. La Junta remains the hub of Southeastern Colorado, and we are confident new opportunities will emerge.

We encourage our community members to continue supporting one another during this time. Together, we can transform this challenge into an opportunity to build an even stronger future for La Junta.

Respectfully,

Michael Hart, City Manager, City of La Junta

Update:

Official letter from Albertons / Safeway Attached Below. I have been on the phone with Economic Development as well as La Junta Chamber of Commerce. More information to come. 

We will get through this together.

Related Content:

Safeway to Close Lamar Store After 50+ Years of Service — Closure Set for November 7, 2025

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