The first Haggen in Southern California — an Albertsons until Monday evening — opened Wednesday in Carlsbad, 35 miles north of San Diego. Haggen plans to complete conversions of 82 more former Albertsons and Safeways in Southern California by early June.
On the outside
Haggen’s exterior conversions begin by taking down the old logo, painting the wall beneath it and putting up its own banner — as it did here at its first conversion in Monroe, Wash., in mid-February, one of 20 Oregon stores being converted.
On your mark, get set …
As with any complete makeover, the interior is in a state of chaos just hours before the store actually reopens under the Haggen banner. Former Albertsons stores being converted close at 6 p.m. one day and reopen under the Haggen name less than 48 hours later; Safeway stores, which have different IT systems, take one extra day to convert.
Open and shut
While each store undergoes a complete remodel, the pharmacies remain open, with customers able to enter through a separate entrance.
Fresh
Haggen employees get the produce section set up.
From floor …
New flooring is installed as part of each remodel …
… to ceiling
… and a variety of murals are put up to designate different departments.
Before and after
An empty deli case becomes fully stocked during the conversion process.
Cold work
Haggen personnel fill the frozen food cases.
Final touch-up
Once the shelves have been stocked and merchandise is all in place, the store gets a final sweep before opening to the public.
Ready for business
The Haggen sign goes up on the shopping center pylon to let customers know there's a new store in town.
The man in charge
Bill Shaner is CEO of Haggen's new Pacific Southwest division, which encompasses 100 stores (83 in Southern California, 10 in Arizona and seven in Nevada).
Bagels on a stick
The Haggen in Carlsbad displays bagels on an easy-to-serve display fixture.
From the farm
The Carlsbad store uses baskets and displays that looks like farmstands to enhance the ambience of the produce section.