Major shake up at grocery store giant that dominates California — and it’ll impact every shopper

By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-07-23 21:46:03 | Updated at 2026-07-23 23:29:19 1 hour ago

A famous California grocery store is putting in transformative changes — and it’ll impact every shopper in the Golden State.

Albertsons CEO Susan Morris said in a Thursday morning earnings call that the grocery chain intends to accelerate investments aimed at lowering prices in hopes that traffic, amount of product sold and loyalty to the chain will be boosted.

Morris also believes the chain’s reorganization that consolidates 11 divisions into four regions will help them in their plans to “sharpen accountability and strengthen execution in the areas that matter most to our customers: fresh service, store standards, local merchandising and community connection.”

A famous California grocery store is putting in transformative changes — and it’ll impact every shopper in the Golden State. Getty Images for Albertsons Companies

The cost-lowering efforts center around making suppliers shoulder a part of the cost for shoppers.

“We’re being clearer than we’ve ever been before with our manufacturing and vendor partners on the centralization of center store,” she said. “We expect them to lean in.”

There are 123 Albertsons stores located in California.

The Golden State has some of the priciest groceries in the nation. Local Los Angeles chains like Erewhon, Bristol Farms and Gelson’s are known for being expensive.

California had the third-highest cost for groceries in the nation, according to 2025 data, just below Hawaii and Alaska. Shoppers spent $127 on groceries weekly in California.

California had the third-highest cost for groceries in the nation, according to 2025 data, just below Hawaii and Alaska. Shoppers spent $127 on groceries weekly in California. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

But Albertsons, which is set to undergo a leadership change later this year when President and CFO Sharon McCollam retires, is looking to change things up in the state.

The store is hoping its next leader can help them thrive.

They want to “identify a transformational leader who combines exceptional financial acumen with a strategic vision to drive sustainable growth and long-term value,” Morris said.

Albertsons, along with megabox retailers like Walmart and Sam’s Club, recently landed in hot water with accusations from California residents that they are allegedly using an AI-powered fuel pricing algorithm to increase gas prices in the state. The residents’ lawsuit alleges an illegal, algorithmic price-fixing scheme.”