LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
The Albertsons grocery store chain will eliminate 2,200 to 2,500 positions at 247 stores in Nevada and California, the company announced on Wednesday.
There are currently 34 Albertsons locations in southern Nevada, including Boulder City and Pahrump.
Layoffs were to begin the week of June 17 and end at the beginning of July, according to a statement.
FOX5 talked with several current and former Albertsons shoppers about the biggest problem the supermarket chain faces.
"They're very expensive," said Nichole Malichky, who just left the Albertsons on Sunset Road and Green Valley Parkway.
"The prices are definitely higher," said shopper Mindy Jacobson.
The company cited profitability issues in it's announcement saying in part,"...while the division has experienced a reduction in traffic and an overall decline in sales, it has not made the necessary adjustments to its store-level operations."
Specific layoff numbers for Nevada were not given, but FOX5 has been told every store affected will layoff a number of in-store associates.
Supermarket price wars are getting fierce in southern Nevada. Walmart is a staple for many, but the emergence of WinCo has won over former Albertsons shopper Steve Sessums. "I started taking notes, pen and paper, and started realizing (WinCo) has some good deals here," he said, "I cannot not come here."
Despite the layoffs, Jacobson will still be a loyal Albertsons shopper.
"My whole life shopped here, worked here four years," she said.
But others stand firm that Albertsons needs to become more competitive to avoid more layoffs.
"Unfortunately, that's the way the economy works," said a WinCo shopper.
The chain is owned by SuperValu Inc. and headquartered in Boise, ID.
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