Safeway to Close Hayward Store in 2026, Workers to Be Transferred

URGENT UPDATE: Safeway has confirmed it will close its supermarket located at 231 West Jackson St. in Hayward on February 2, 2026. The closure will impact 76 associates, but the grocery chain has pledged to transfer all affected workers to nearby locations, according to a WARN letter sent to the state’s Employment Development Department.

The announcement, made by Safeway’s vice president of human resources for Northern California, Terra Powers, aims to alleviate fears of job losses. “We do not foresee any layoffs as a result of the closure,” Powers stated in the letter dated November 5. The company is working closely with labor unions, including the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 5 and Baker’s Union Local 125, to ensure smooth transitions for its workforce.

As part of its strategy, Safeway has highlighted that all associates will retain their bumping rights, allowing those with seniority to displace less senior employees at other locations. However, it remains unclear whether this will lead to job losses for existing staff at those sites. “We intend to place all the associates into a position at another nearby location,” Powers emphasized.

The exact placements for the affected workers are still being finalized, adding to the uncertainty for employees at the Hayward store. Safeway reassured that associates will continue to work at the store until it officially closes, providing some job security during this transition period.

The decision to close the Hayward supermarket reflects ongoing adjustments within the retail landscape, as companies navigate changing consumer behaviors and economic challenges. Safeway’s commitment to relocate workers highlights its efforts to maintain workforce stability in the community.

As this story develops, affected workers and their families are urged to stay updated on potential job placements. The focus now shifts to how Safeway will implement these transitions and what this means for the local job market in Hayward.

Stay tuned for further updates on this situation as we monitor the impacts of the store closure and the company’s relocation plans.