Safeway is coming to Florida, with a store in Largo

Jan 11, 2016, 2:02pm EST

Ashley Gurbal KritzerReporterTampa Bay Business Journal

Tampa Bay's last remaining Albertsons will be converted to a Safeway store — and get a major makeover in the process.

The grocer on Monday said that it would convert three Albertsons stores in Florida to Safeway stores, including the store at 10500 Ulmerton Road in Largo.

The front of a Safeway Inc. store in Denver, Colorado.

MATTHEW STAVER

The company is investing nearly $10 million in the conversion, expanding the space for fresh and specialty foods and adding a Starbucks location in each store.

Albertsons in April 2015 announced that it would remodel the Largo store, though it didn't disclose any details at that time.

“Customers and employees alike will be excited when they see how we are going to transform these stores,” division president Sidney Hopper said in a statement. “When complete, our new Safeway locations will have contemporary décor packages, new digital signs and menu boards, a natural/organic zone and living well products. The stores will also feature expanded specialty foods selections, more local products, expanded floral and wine areas, enhanced food service offerings and new Starbucks in each location.”

The other stores that will convert are in Altamonte Springs, near Orlando, and Oakland Park in Broward County.

Safeway and Albertsons completed their merger in January 2015.

Most mainstream grocery stores are adding upscale touches to lure in shoppers. Lakeland-based Publix Super Markets Inc. has added more specialty items and prepared foods to its stores.