Albertsons to Close Rowland Heights, Walnut Stores

Albertsons supermarkets in Rowland Heights and Walnut are among the 27 stores the grocery chain plans to close nationwide likely in December.

SUPERVALU Inc., the parent company of Albertsons, Wednesday announced plans to shutter "under-performing" and "non-strategic" stores across the country, including 19 in Southern California, reported City News Service.

Also set to be closed is the Albertson's on Colima Road in Hacienda Heights. The Diamond Bar store was not on the list.

"These decisions are never easy because of the impact a store closure has on our team members, our customers and our communities," said Wayne Sales, president/CEO of Supervalu Inc. "Today's announcement reflects our commitment to move with a greater sense of urgency to reduce costs and improve shareholder value."

The company estimates that closing the stores will generate $35 million in cash in the next 12 months and $80 to $90 million in the next three years, according to officials.

The closures come just a couple of months after Albertsons cut positions.

In June, Albertsons by 2,200-2,500 positions, affecting all 247 California and Nevada stores. In 2011, the chain .

"A decision of this nature is never easy, but it is the necessary step for us to take to help improve our business and accelerate our turnaround," said Dan Sanders, president of Albertsons' Fullerton-based Southern California Division of the June workforce reductions.

Below is a list of stores to close, as reported in the Orange County Register.

• 7th & Redondo, Long Beach, CA

• Harbor & Garden Grove Blvd., Garden Grove, CA

• Harbor Blvd. & Imperial Hwy., Fullerton, CA

• Dale & La Palma, Buena Park, CA

• Brookhurst & Katella, Anaheim, CA

• Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles, CA

• Central & Chevy Chase, Glendale, CA

• Devonshire & Reseda, Northridge, CA

• Van Nuys & Sherman, Van Nuys, CA

• Bear Valley & Amethyst Roads, Victorville, CA

• Pigeon Pass & Ironwood, Moreno Valley, CA

• Colima & Fairway Drive, Rowland Heights, CA

• Hamner Ave & Hidden Valley Pkw., Norco, CA

• Grove Ave & Walnut Street, Ontario, CA

• Limonite & Clay, Riverside, CA

• Colima Road, Hacienda Heights, CA

• Amar & Nogales, Walnut, CA

• Azusa & Cypress, Covina, CA