Retail Watchers

Safeway is the largest chain in AZ by store count, they make money in the small towns where Walmart won't go into. The same situation is in Colorado.

As to an east coast chain buyout- not likely, the eastern chains have been abject failures operating western grocery chains.

In AZ I've seen at Fry's similar private label items having Fry's lettering one time, Kroger the other time (same package design)

I have been noticing some current TV ads for JC Penney...gone is the lower case jcpenney logo...back is the circa 1971 JCPenney logo Could all of the problems with the chain mean the end of the "jcp" flag? (we hope)

7 Fresh & Easys to close in Phoenix

http://www.azcentral.com/video/2665884555001

18 remaining stores is not enough to compete here.

The lone Fry's store in Flagstaff (ex-Smith's) has a similar kitcheware dept.

I believe they were looking at distribution somewhere in New Mexico. Just something I heard, not something I ever saw released. They're opening up a distribution center in Phoenix. Don't think a DC in Phoenix would work for DFW though. You can supply NM and W Texas from a Phoenix warehouse. Alberts...

Fry's is now building freestanding fuel centers - not in the same parking lot as a Fry's store (There is one on Union Hills between 19th and 7th Aves in Phx)

I've also heard radio ads on Phx radio for Office Depot and Advance Auto Parts- none of which have stores here

There is a Safeway in Surprise (Grand Ave @ Reems) that still uses the pre-Lifestyle logos

They were private in the past (under KKR)