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Paul’s Market, Albertsons Announce Agreement for Idaho Locations
Christine Wilcox
/Feb 15th, 2016
BOISE, ID – Albertsons Companies announced today that it has entered into an agreement to purchase and rebrand four Idaho-based Paul’s Market stores. The following Paul’s Market stores will be rebranded as Albertsons.
- 20 East Wyoming, Homedale
- 700 East Avalon, Kuna
- 10565 Lake Hazel, Boise
- 132 East Lake, McCall
Separately, Paul’s Market also announced plans today to close its three stores in Caldwell, Mountain Home and Nampa. As a part of the transaction, Albertsons will acquire the properties.
“Over its many years operating retail food stores in the region, Paul’s Market has developed an outstanding reputation for quality, selection and service,” said Brad Street, Albertsons Intermountain Division President. “We are excited to have the chance to add experienced retail employees to our ranks, as well as the opportunity to build on that foundation and earn the trust of Paul’s Market loyal customer base.” Albertsons Intermountain Division operates 84 stores in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, North Dakota and Nevada.
“From the day that our family opened the first Paul’s Market store in 1955, we have been a proud Treasure Valley grocer, and we know that the folks at Albertsons share our values and commitment to providing the best to our communities,” said Stan and Steve Zatica, Co-Owners of Paul’s Market. “We sincerely thank our communities for 60 years of shopping with us, and we look forward to watching how these stores evolve to serve their customers for the future.”
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. The parties anticipate and hope to close the deal for these stores sometime in April.
Albertsons PR Contact: Kathy Holland
kathy.holland@albertsons.com
It will be missed(Paul’s) as I don’t and will not shop at Albertson. I like shopping at a local store Thanks for being there Will miss the people at are local store here in Mountain Home.
We’re sorry that you feel that way, Nancy. In a lot of ways, Albertsons is still a local grocer. We started here in Boise when Joe Albertson opened his first store in 1939, and over the last few years, we’ve put a lot of emphasis on our stores serving the needs of our local customers. As part of this announcement, we also asked all of our stores to temporarily freeze filling open positions so that we can consider any applicants from Paul’s Market. I hope that you’ll give us another chance to be your grocery store in Mountain Home. If you’d like the opportunity to discuss your concerns with Jim, our Store Director in Mountain Home, we’d be happy to put him in touch with you.
Thank you for your feedback. -Rebecca
finally a quality supermarket in McCall….
welcome to the mtns…Joe & Warren would be proud ….many thanks to Bob Miller of the original Albertson acumen & mentality…
GBD…retired employee and strong supporter of Mr. Miller and his belief in & support of his people…Joe’s company is back…..
well this is a grave disappointment. Albertsons is no Paul’s Market. Guess its Ridley’s for me.
We’re sorry to hear that you’re disappointed. We know that any change to a local grocer can be difficult on the customers who have supported the business for many years. We hope that following the transaction close, pending appropriate approvals, that you will give us a chance to prove that we can serve your community’s needs. Albertsons has changed a lot over the last few years, and we’ve put a lot of emphasis on our stores serving the needs of the local customers. We would be happy to put you in touch with our store director once your store is open so you can discuss your concerns more specifically.
Thanks for your feedback. -Rebecca
What will this mean for the employees that work for pauls ?
Serena, Albertsons is offering all the Paul’s Market employees the opportunity to apply for open positions either at their current store or in a nearby Albertsons store. Paul’s Market has done a fantastic job in building a team who understands how to take care of customers, and we’re looking forward to reaching out to the employees over the next 60 days so that we can begin laying the foundation for the future. -Rebecca
I understand times change and business must go on and I my family will miss Pauls. One thing to consider however. One of the big things that made Pauls so unique was its bakery. Their doughnuts and pies, breads from scratch make them bar none, one of the best bakeries anywhere! I like Albertsons and a lot of their recent attempt to modernize and keep prices down, but I rarely buy anything from the bakery as it really does pale in comparison to Paul’s freshness and taste. Not even close! I would ask during this merger as a customer that you consider keeping the Pauls Bakery as is. Your customer base will love you for it I guarantee.
Thanks for your feedback, John. We know that any change to a local grocer can be difficult on the customers who have supported the business for many years. I hope that following the transaction close, pending appropriate approvals, that you will give us a chance to prove that we can serve your community’s needs. -Julio
If Albertsons does not keep the Staff at the lake Hazel store Such as Laurie Karla Jim in Dairy Maryann and they close the post office I will take my business to Ridley’s in Kuna. Paul’s Employee’s have a great Rapor with their customers if I want to shop like a nobody in a store I could shop at Walmart or Fred Meyer or even Winco Paul’s Employee’s have made it a point to get to know their customers by name and making them reapply is just asinine you took over the store so those that work there should be carried over not made to feel like they have never mattered Albertson’s is getting to big for it’s own good how long before you sell out again and everyone loses their job!!!!!
Debbie, Albertsons is offering all the Paul’s Market employees the opportunity to apply for open positions either at their current store or in a nearby Albertsons store. Paul’s Market has done a fantastic job in building a team who understands how to take care of customers, and we’re looking forward to reaching out to the employees over the next 60 days so that we can begin laying the foundation for the future. -Julio
what is the official buy/transition date?
Robert, we anticipate the transaction of the close in April 2016, subject to customary approvals. -Julio
I live very close to the Lake Hazel location and the employees there were THE reason we shopped there. They are and were the nicest group of people in any grocery store I have ever been to. Please consider keeping them in that location because I guarantee I am not the only person that feels that way. It also makes business sense to keep what continuity you can when implementing a change such as this.
Josh, Albertsons is offering all the Paul’s Market employees the opportunity to apply for open positions either at their current store or in a nearby Albertsons store. Paul’s Market has done a fantastic job in building a team who understands how to take care of customers, and we’re looking forward to reaching out to the employees over the next 60 days so that we can begin laying the foundation for the future. -Julio
I currently work at the pauls market in McCall Idaho and there are a lot of disapointed people but there are also a lot of curious and excited people. it is a change yes and change is hard. I myself am having a hard time with the change due to i grew up McCall and pauls was one of my favorite stores. I also am curious to see how this transistion goes from pauls to Albertsons and what the new store and company has to offer. The news has caused a lot of stress on our employee’s and has put everyone on slight edge but we are focusing on our custumers and making them happy while we go through this change. That is what is more important here.
I hate to see Paul’s close in Mountain Home. Now we will only have Albertson’s and Walmart for grocery shopping. Albertson’s already is the most expensive place in town, and now they just rid of one of their competitors. Paul’s had the best bakery in town and the best meat department. I guess I’ll have to start going to Boise to shop at Winco’s.
Laura, I’m sorry that you feel that way. I hope that you’ll give us another chance to be your grocery store in Mountain Home. If you’d like the opportunity to discuss your concerns with Jim, our store director in Mountain Home, we’d be happy to put him in touch with you. Thank you for your feedback. -Julio
Is the bakery going to remain the same? Paul’s always makes everything from scratch(delicious doughnuts) and Albertsons does not. (we hate the doughnuts from Albertsons)
Hey Shara, Albertsons is currently reviewing all of Paul’s Market programs to better understand how they are serving their customers today. That said, I’m sorry that our doughnuts are a disappointment to you. Is there a specific item that you’re buying now that you love that we could take a close look at? We’ve changed a lot over the last few years, and we have been focused on not only providing top quality items with full variety and freshness, but at the best value every day for our customers. All of our Albertsons bakeries feature fresh baked bread, bagels and cookies along with signature desserts. Many of our bakeries have special 5-star cake decorators who can create custom-made cakes for any occasion. We are committed to providing the best in fresh in all departments, so we hope that you will give us a chance to show you what we have to offer following the transaction close.
This is a shame. I am used to shopping at Pauls in Nampa for years. I always shopped there on Tuesdays because I received 5% senior discount. Guess I will be kissing that goodbye while I shall begin shopping exclusively at Walmart to get the lower prices in order to compensate for the loss of my senior discount at Pauls.
This makes me really sad. I love having the post office in the Nampa store, plus they have some good sales. It is so convenient to stop by on the way home when I need just a few items. I feel that Albertson’s is just buying out the competition again, like they ran Smith’s Food King out of the valley so they could have a monopoly. I might shop there sometimes if they would just keep the Nampa location but there is an Albertson’s down the street. Guess we’ll be forced to pay their outrageous prices.
Shari, I’m sorry to hear that you’re disappointed. We know that any change to a local grocer can be difficult on the customers who have supported the business for many years. Albertsons has changed a lot over the last few years, and we’ve put a lot of emphasis on our stores serving the needs of the local customers. I hope that following the transaction close, pending appropriate approvals, that you will give us a chance to prove that we can serve your community’s needs. Thanks for your feedback. -Julio
I am happy to see Albertsons coming to Kuna. Pauls only had good prices on sale items only with a Pauls card, their regular items were priced too high. I believe that buying your entire grocery list at Albertsons will save money in the long run. Welcome to Kuna!
Paul’s bakery make the best doughnuts in town. If you can please let these stores keep their bakery and the homemade doughnuts you would make the community very grateful. I am sorry but Albertsons doughnuts are not that good. If you change the bakery we will have to find another bakery. thanks for your consideration.
Thank you for your feedback, Steven. Albertsons is currently reviewing all of Paul’s Market programs to better understand how they are serving their customers today. Albertsons has changed a lot over the last few years, and we have been focused on not only providing top quality items with full variety and freshness, but at the best value every day for our customers. All of our Albertsons bakeries feature fresh baked bread, bagels and cookies along with signature desserts. Many of our bakeries have special 5-star cake decorators who can create custom-made cakes for any occasion. We are committed to providing the best in fresh in all departments, so we hope that you will give us a chance to show you what we have to offer following the transaction close. -Julio
Please let Paul’s keep their bakery. They have the best doughnuts in town.
Thanks
Paul’s have the best doughnuts in town. Please let them keep their bakery or change your bakery’s to match theirs. Their doughnuts will be greatly missed.
Thanks
I would only hope that you would keep the Bakery department the same. Albertsons bakery cannot compete with the fresh baked goods that Paul’s has. Albertson’s should ditch the horrible donuts and frosting they currently use and implement the fresh, homemade taste the the Paul’s bakery is know for.
I’m so pleased that Albertson has purchased Paul’s. Paul’s food is a disgrace and the prices are even worse. Please bring in fresh organic vegetables! and high quality meats and seafood.
I’m looking forward to this long awaited change.
Congratulations!
Thank God. Albertson’s isn’t the cheapest grocery store in Idaho, but I fail to see how it will be any more expensive than Paul’s where the tourists are gouged on a regular basis at the expense of locals. Paul’s has a fantastic staff, however, and it will be great for them to have the opportunity to work for a national chain with some ability to move up. I’m already excited to get some products that I can only buy in Boise when I happen to be down below.
@Julio, You didn’t really address anything I said. The Albertsons corporation would be wise to adapt the Pauls Bakery practices into its own bakery as it has keep the same successful from Scratch formulas for 40 years. This isn’t just a transition issue but a quality issue. Albertsons bakery does not compare and this is a great opportunity that would thrill the local communities and bring in more business.
I live about halfway between the Nampa Pauls and Albertsons. The employees are nice at both Pauls and Albertsons, but I usually go to Pauls for three reasons:
-Pauls carries unique brands that most grocers don’t carry.
-it’s much easier to get in and out of the parking lot .
-the post office makes life much easier.
Thanks for your feedback, Tim. We know that any change to a local grocer can be difficult on the customers who have supported the business for many years. We hope that following the transaction close, pending appropriate approvals, that you will give us a chance to prove that we can serve your community’s needs. Albertsons has changed a lot over the last few years, and we’ve put a lot of emphasis on our stores serving the needs of the local customers. We would be happy to put you in touch with our store director once your store is open so you can discuss your concerns more specifically.-Rebecca
i worked 20 years for albertson, i florida store #4319.. gray company and good to work for them. i retired in june 2015 an to me was a gray experience.. when come shoping , is the best price and the best service in the area good look.. jose blandino…..
Thank you for your feedback, Jose! Congratulations on your retirement! We’ll be glad to share your kind remarks with our Human Resources and Retail Operations Teams, who will be pleased to know of your satisfaction. -Rebecca
I know that things change with progress, but I am a loyal Paul’s shopper. Albertson’s is just too expensive. I have thought things over and I will be shopping at Winco’s in Boise for my meats as their’s is comparable in quality and prices as Paul’s. For minor things that I need to replace on a weekly basis, I will unfortunately have to start going to Walmart. Your prices are not within ranges for those on a limited budget.
Sonya, our goal is to offer our customers the best quality products at the lowest costs. Our Pricing Department continually reviews the costs of products to ensure that our prices are fair and competitive. Your concerns are important to us and have been directed to our Pricing Department for their review and consideration. -Rebecca
I think it is great. I live near the lake Hazel location. It will be sad to see the store go but I am excited to have an another Albertson’s closer to my home. I will probably shop there more often now.
I also forgot to mention, I think Paul’s has the same high prices as Albertson’s but I think Albertson’s has better quality, especially meats.
Hi Patty, thanks for your feedback. We are proud of to be the exclusive retailer of Double R Ranch Northwest beef supplied by local ranchers within 50 miles of every store, that’s for sure. If you have anything else that you’d like to share, please let us know!
Please keep the post office in the 5 Mile and Lake hazel store. The older my wife and I get the more we like the post office near by.
Thank you for your feedback, Bruce. Our Albertsons operations teams are in the process of reviewing all of the services currently available at Paul’s Market locations. Upon review, they will determine how we can best meet the needs of the customers in each community going forward.
Welcome Back Albertson’s. I grew up viewing Albertson’s like many people view Pauls, as a local hometown store. It does seem a little weird to hear people referring to Albertson’s as a big chain store. I guess they grew up over the years. Anyway what would be really nice is having a Starbucks in the Kuna location, their just isn’t a coffee shop over on that side of town anymore and it would be good to see one. Can you tell us if there will be a coffee bar at that location?
Hello Travis. Thank you for your support! We do appreciate it. Albertsons has changed a lot over the last few years, but we have remained focused on serving the needs of the customers in the community and striving to be their favorite local supermarket. We are in the process of reviewing all of Paul’s Market programs to better understand how they are serving their customers today. We can then begin to determine what new programs should be added to better serve our customers going forward after transaction close.
I shop at the Lake Hazel location and use the Postal Annex daily.. I hope that convenience will be retained.
Hi Greg. Thanks so much for the feedback. Our Albertsons operations teams are in the process of reviewing all of the services currently available at Paul’s Market locations and the Postal Annex is included. Upon review, they will determine how we can best meet the needs of the customers in each community going forward. If you have any additional thoughts, please feel free to let us know.
I am very sad that Paul’s is leaving. There are many things about this little store that I like. I love the local meat and the bakery is amazing; the only bakery in town that actually bakes from scratch. The employees are friendly and helpful. I guess it’s also the quirkiness and the down home feel that keeps me coming back.
I’ve always avoided Albertson’s because they are the exact opposite of Paul’s. They have a huge corporate feel. You’re not sure where their meat came from, China? South America? The bakery just bakes off frozen doughnuts.
I’m also angry that big, corporate Albertson’s has done it again, bought out the competition. Why don’t you learn from your huge mistakes and get it for once? The struggles the company has had stem from the customer experience. We just the interesting stores like Paul’s and Winco better.
I’m sure my opinion doesn’t matter to you because you aren’t losing my business, you never had it. Why couldn’t you just buy out Paul’s and keep it the same, maybe even learn from them? Please, no pat formula answers.
Hello, Cindy. I am sorry to hear of your disappointment. We understand that change is difficult, especially when you have shopped your local Paul’s Market for many years and become familiar with their employees and departments. Since our company was once again headquartered in Boise three years ago, we have focused on Joe Albertson’s philosophy of becoming your favorite local supermarket and meeting the needs of the communities where are stores are located. We have also put an emphasis on expanded selections of fresh products at the best value every day for our customers. Our Albertsons meat departments are the exclusive retailer of Double R Ranch Northwest beef supplied by local ranchers within 50 miles of every store. And our bakeries feature fresh baked bread, bagels and cookies along with signature desserts. Many of our bakeries have special 5-star cake decorators who can create custom-made cakes for any occasion. We hope that you might give us a try following the transaction close to see all that we have to offer.
“Sonya, our goal is to offer our customers the best quality products at the lowest costs. Our Pricing Department continually reviews the costs of products to ensure that our prices are fair and competitive. ”
That’s as ridiculous as your pricing. For the first time in over 15 years, I shopped at an Albertsons on Vista/Overland in Boise. Tillamook shredded cheese, A $4.29, Winco $2.18. Oikos yogurt A 1.79, Winco 1.00. Yeah……competitive. That statement is not reflective of reality.
Thank you for sharing this feedback, Jason. It is greatly appreciated. We appreciate the opportunity to better serve you. We have shared your comments with the Vista/Overland Pricing Department for further review. Thank you for your time. -Julio
I don’t know why people are so upset. I think this is so exciting! I refuse to go anywhere but Albertson’s for fresh produce!! I shop at the Lake Hazel location on occasion, but will be shopping there much more often now that I know we will have fresh, quality food so close to home.
I used to shop at Smiths Foodking, they carried good meats and prices were pretty good. They left the treasure valley some years ago, due to well a long story but guess who was involved. Pauls has great meats, fair sales and the best donuts in the valley. Albertson’s bakery is no comparison. I’m more about taste than how pretty it’s decorated… plus prices are very high.. their meat prices rarely are as good as Pauls market. I will find an alternative to purchase meats but it will not be Albertsons.
Hi Christine. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Paul’s Market. Albertsons is currently reviewing all of Paul’s Market programs to better understand how they are serving their customers today.
At Albertsons, we are committed to providing the best in fresh in all departments. In our meat department, we source Double R Ranch beef. As we said in our blog when we introduced the product, Double R Ranch Beef is raised by a select group of family farmers and ranchers, many of whom live within 50 miles of an Albertsons store where their beef is sold. They dedicate their time to exceptional animal care and environmentally sustainable practices, which translates into a premium beef experience.
Along with our top quality, we offer some great promotional meat prices that we highlight in our weekly ads.
I can also tell you that over the last few years, we have really brought in some great offerings in the bakery. We have Albertsons signature items like French bread, bagels and our delicious chocolate chip cookies and some of the best 5-star cake decorators in town. I hope that you will give us a chance to show you what we have to offer.
How many of the current Paul’s employees are going to remain at Albertsons in Kuna? I have been shopping at Pauls for about 13 years and was disgusted when Ridleys came to town and now this, unsure of who to shop with.
Hi Cody. Without a doubt, Paul’s Market has done a great job of creating an energetic team to take care of their customers. Albertsons is offering all the Paul’s Market employees the opportunity to apply for open positions either at their current location or in a nearby Albertsons store.
No offense Albertsons but Pauls has (had) the best bakery in the Treasure Valley (Idaho). Will you use there recipes?
Hi BG: Albertsons is currently reviewing all of Paul’s Market programs to better understand how they are serving their customers today.
I have to tell you that, over the last few years, we have really stepped up our offerings in the bakery. The first thing your will notice is that our cake cases burst with color. Many of our bakeries have special 5-star cake decorators who can create custom-made cakes for any occasion. We also have fresh baked Albertsons signature items like French bread, bagels and our delicious chocolate chip cookies.
We are committed to providing the best in fresh in all departments, so I hope that you will give us a chance to show you what we have to offer.
It’s too bad the great employees at the Lake Hazel store have to apply for their jobs. I would think a position and a raise would better motivate them to continue to provide excellent service. Also, please see that the post office stays open. Easy permit to obtain. Very convenient for a lot of people.
Thank you for expressing your concerns, Newlan. Albertsons has offered almost all of Paul’s Market employees positions either within their current store or in other area Treasure Valley Albertsons stores. We have enjoyed the chance to meet and get to know each and every employee at Paul’s Market to understand their experience and their career goals so that we can lay the foundation for the future. Paul’s has done a fantastic job in building a team who knows how to take care of customers. At Albertsons, we believe that every customer deserves a Legendary Service experience, and it is our priority to train our associates so that they are knowledgeable in their department, maintain high standards and go above and beyond for our customers.
In regards to the Postal Units currently in Paul’s Market, we are reviewing all of Paul’s Market programs to better understand how they are serving their customers today and getting additional information as to the requirements of operating a Postal Unit in our Albertsons stores going forward. We hope that you will give us a chance to show you what we have to offer following the transaction close.
So now that Albertsons is taking over Paul’s Market are we going to start getting the Albertsons weekly ad like we do Paul’s because for the past many years we do not get the Albertson’s ad unless you get the Sunday paper and the free one well I have signed up for it so many times and still don’t get it so the only way I have to see the Albertson’s ad is if I get online and sorry but I don’t have a smart phone or anything like that that I can take shopping with me so I use the paper ad…..
What a bunch of cry babies .. Glad to see Albertsons coming to McCall .. This town will never grow do to people who do not want change. Bring McDonald’s with you too.
After looking at all of the comments, it appears that all of the responses from Albertson’s are written by a robot. It also appears that all of us can kiss the great tasting donuts goodbye, because in their place will be some 5 star decorated, flavorless, piece of you know what.
Hi Jim, I’m sorry you feel that way. It’s certainly not how we want customers to feel. I can assure you that nothing is being written by a robot, but we do try to keep our responses consistent so you might see a few repeats in the text – and, to your point, since many of the comments are about the donuts, we are taking it seriously. We are sincere when we say that we’re looking at all of Paul’s programs and considering ways that we might be able to work them into how we go to business in those locations. It is going to take time between now and the transaction close to determine what’s possible. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any further concerns, or if you’d like to discuss anything with our division team members who are managing this process. My email address is Christine.wilcox@albertsons.com. Thank you for your feedback.
I have been trying to call your store in McCall Idaho and no one answers do you have a new number for the store.
Joni
Thanks for letting us know that there’s a problem, Joni. We’re working to get it resolved. The number has not changed.
Chris
Pretty let down in your Kuna location. Been there twice since you have taken it over and both times the cashiers have been rude. I really miss Paul’s cashiers, as they were friendly and cheerful. I thought you were keeping most of Paul’s employees, but I definitely see way too many new faces now. Wish I could say I’ve had a positive experience, but I should have known it would work this way. Will be doing more of my shopping in Meridian now.
Hi Michele, I’m sorry that you’ve had disappointing experiences. That’s obviously not how we want our customers to feel. In talking to our District Manager, we extended offers to everyone on the Kuna front end team, and we had to hire a few more people to help out, too. Paul White is our store director out there, and I know he would be happy to talk to you about your experiences if you’d like to do so. The number to the store is (208) 922-9834. Thanks.
I must apologize for a previous comment welcoming Albertsons to Kuna, Idaho. I’ve since shopped the Albertsons store and I’ve come to the conclusion that Albertsons is much more expensive than Paul’s was, and very, very much more expensive than Winco or Walmart. I will not shop there again, and I will recommend to family and friends to shop elsewhere also. I am really sorry if I mislead shoppers with my earlier comment dated 19/02/2016 at 7:26 pm
Hey, guys! I found out that Homedale Alby’s is still making Paul’s donuts–at least for a little while. If you don’t mind the drive, you can still get your donut fix, for now anyway.
Thanks, Cindy. 🙂 We’re giving it a go. I might have to make the drive today!
My wife and I are traveling to McCall next week for our first visit there. I was reading up on the area. Our son told us about Paul’s, so I looked it up. Sorry we will miss the good bakery. What I most don’t like about this comment section is the repeated responses from Rebecca that are copied by Julio. Not very personal. At first, I was happy to see responses, but as I kept reading there was nothing personal about them. I wonder if I’ll get a canned response.
Hi John – As you can imagine, we get a fair amount of traffic and that means we usually favor consistency in responding to customers because it allows us to be a little bit faster in getting back to people. It’s not perfect by any means, but we do read everything that people write to us about and do the best we can to provide great service when we reply.
I hope that while you’re in McCall you’ll take the opportunity to visit the Albertsons there. I’d love to hear your feedback. You can post it here if you’d like or email me at chris.wilcox@albertsonscompanies.com. Thanks, and have a great day!