SAFEWAY COMPLETES 11-STORE ABCO DEAL

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Safeway here said last week it has closed 11 Abco Desert Markets in Arizona for remodeling, with plans to reopen them March 28.

ll become part of Safeway's Arizona division, which encompassed 90 stores before the acquisition.

Fleming said it sold the stores as part of its strategic plan to sell off nonprice-impact corporate stores. The company said it expects to complete the sale of 16 Baker's Supermarkets in Omaha, Neb., to Kroger Co., Cincinnati, later this month.

Of 52 Abcos, Fleming has closed 12, sold 11 to Safeway and continues to operate 29, several of which are expected to be sold to independent operators in the next few weeks, industry sources told SN.