Supervalu said today that it plans to reduce its national workforce by an estimated 1,100 positions. The final working dates for impacted employees vary, based on the needs of the business and the areas they support. The reductions include both current positions and open jobs that will not be filled.
“The decision to reduce our workforce, although difficult because of the impacts to our people, is the necessary next step in the rebuilding of our business,” said Sam Duncan, Supervalu’s president and CEO. “This move is an important part of our strategy to be more focused and efficient in our operations, including how we staff and support our three business units going forward.”
Today’s announcement follows Supervalu’s recent sale of Albertsons, Jewel, Acme and Shaw’s/Star Markets, as well as the Save-On and Osco in-store pharmacies, to AB Acquisition LLC. That transaction was completed last week. As a result, the remaining organization will require significantly fewer corporate and store support roles and functions, making it important that the company restructure its operations and expenses accordingly, according to a company news release.
The announcement affects nearly all company offices and crosses most departments within the organization. In general, store-level employees and Save-A-Lot, the company’s hard-discount retail chain, are not affected by this announcement. Employees whose positions are eliminated will be offered severance and outplacement services based on Supervalu’s eligibility guidelines.
Going forward, Supervalu officials say the Eden Prairie, Minn.-based company is a more focused and efficient wholesale and retail operation, with three key business units consisting of independent business, Save-A-Lot and five regional retail banners. These three business units together are anticipated to generate more than $17 billion in revenues annually.
