By Evan Ward
The Safeway on Webster Street is in its final days, and shoppers are making the most of it. The store, set to close officially on February 7, has launched a 50% clearance sale, drawing a frenzy of bargain hunters. By Tuesday afternoon, shelves were bare—meat, produce, and frozen goods nearly wiped out.
Since the sale began Monday, bulk items have been flying off the shelves. Shoppers have cleared out 24-packs of bottled water, 130-count boxes of pizza rolls, and 504-count packs of baby wipes. One employee estimated the store might effectively close within two weeks due to the rapid pace of sales. Safeway’s statement acknowledged the possibility of an earlier closure, citing overwhelming demand.
The closure of the Fillmore district store has sparked community outrage. Serving a population that includes seniors and disabled residents, it is the only accessible major grocery store in the area. The nearest alternative is a Trader Joe’s half a mile away, but there is no direct bus route between the two locations. Another Safeway on Market Street, over a mile away, can be reached via the 22 bus.
Safeway announced the closure in January 2024, attributing it to theft and safety concerns. Originally slated for March, the shutdown was delayed after negotiations with city officials. The site’s buyer, Align Real Estate, plans to replace the grocery store with a mixed-use tower featuring 1,000 housing units and retail space. Community members have called on the developer to lease space to a low-cost grocery chain to fill the void left by Safeway.
Local activists have also highlighted the broader role the store played in the community. Beyond groceries, it provided banking and pharmacy services—essential amenities for many residents. There are calls for any replacement business to address these needs as well.
Staff at the Fillmore Safeway are being reassigned to other locations, and shoppers are bracing for the change. For now, the sale continues, and the aisles are thinning by the hour. “This is it,” said one employee. “It’s all over.”
