Local Safeway stores in Burien, Des Moines and elsewhere to be sold due to Kroger strategy

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to reflect correct information on the divestiture of these stores, not necessarily their closures.

Kroger, the parent company of QFC and Safeway, this week announced the planned sale of several stores – including on SW 148th Street in Burien – as part of a broader, national divestiture strategy.

This move comes amid the company’s efforts to streamline operations and maintain financial viability.

Kroger’s decision to sell these stores impacts a range of communities in the South King County area, potentially affecting local access to grocery and pharmacy services.

The sales are part of a larger plan involving 124 locations in Washington State, which includes grocery stores, distribution centers, and plant facilities.

The following stores in South King County are slated for sale/divestiture:

Burien

• Safeway, 138 SW 148th Street

Des Moines

• Safeway, 27035 Pacific Highway S.

Normandy Park

• QFC, 17847 1st Ave South

Kent

• QFC, 13304 SE 240th Street
• Safeway, 13101 SE Kent-Kangley Road

Covington

• Safeway, 17023 SE 272nd Street

Auburn

• Haggen, 1406 Lake Tapps Parkway E.
• Safeway, 101 Auburn Way South
• Distribution Center at 3520 Pacific Ave S.

Federal Way

• Safeway, 2109 SW 336th Street

Renton

• QFC, 4800 NE 4th Street
• Safeway, 200 S. 3rd Street

The company cited the need to optimize store performance and manage resources more effectively as reasons behind these decisions. Local residents and employees are bracing for the changes, which could lead to increased travel times for groceries and potential job losses.

Community leaders and customers have expressed concern about the impact these closures will have on neighborhood accessibility to essential goods and services. Efforts to mitigate the disruptions are being discussed, including potential reassignments for affected employees and partnerships with local businesses to fill the service gaps.