For the week of March 20 - 26, 2002

Albertson’s open 
March 27

Valley’s grocers wary of large competitor

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By PETER BOLTZ
Express Staff Writer

Albertson’s is hoping its motto, "Its your store," will ring true for Wood River Valley residents when it opens its doors for business on March 27.

Rob Driemeyer, the No. 2 man at the Hailey Albertson’s, helps stock shelves in preparation for the store’s March 27 opening. He said that more than 300 people had submitted applications to work at the store. Express photos by Willy Cook

Its new store, on the north end of Hailey, has been under construction since last fall, and anyone who has been inside knows it could easily fit several of its competitors inside its doors.

The new store’s director, Stan Soares, said the Hailey Albertson’s has about 26,000 square feet of floor space, which includes a vegetable wet case of about 80 feet, about 28 feet of locker space for fresh seafood and fresh cut meats, and about 48 feet of locker space for prepackaged meats.

Soares, who got his start with Albertson’s 34 years ago, said the purpose of the store "was to provide people with our goods and services.

"We want to fit into the community, and we want to be good citizens of Hailey."

Albertson’s will be coming into a market that is currently filled by already established grocery stores.

In Bellevue, there is Glenn’s Grocery and the Valley Market. In Hailey, there is Paul’s Market and Atkinsons’ Market, and in Ketchum there is Williams Market and Atkinsons’ Market.

Atkinsons’ store owner, Whit Atkinson said he was "obviously not happy that a chain store is moving into our community."

"But I am confident that Atkinsons’ will continue to succeed and grow. Our commitment to quality, selection and service at competitive prices will continue to be our strength.

"Our customers recognize what a local family owned business means to their community. Atkinsons’ commitment to the community for the past 45 years goes without saying. "

Albertson’s architects were asked by the Hailey City Council during design review last fall to fit in its appearance with stores on Main Street in Hailey’s downtown. The store was also asked to use fixtures that would reduce light pollution in its parking lot. Express photos by Willy Cook

Referring to the chain store nature of Albertson’s, Atkinson asked, "Do you want to buy food from a store where profits are exported from your own community, or do you want to shop at a store like Atkinsons’ where your dollars will be reinvested right back into your own community?"

Glenn Branen of Glenn’s Grocery said he couldn’t say what the Albertson’s store would mean to other grocers.

"But I don’t think it will affect us," he said.

Patti Isom, the manager of the Valley Market, said, "We know they’re going to take a piece of the pie, but we’re going to work at keeping the piece with the whipped cream topping."

The manager of Paul’s in Hailey, Brian Ford, said, "Paul’s Market will continue to be the most affordable grocery in the Wood River Valley and will continue to support the community."

Chris Williams of Williams Market called Albertson’s entry into the market "a real head scratcher."

He said the new store didn’t make any sense to him since the four stores already in the south valley were not "rocking and rolling."

"And I know these businesses," he said. "I know they are not going to just give up."

Still, he said, he realizes that "Everyone is going to visit Albertson’s and make a deposit."

 

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