Haggen Food and Pharmacy, which recently took over five Albertsons and Vons stores in our area, is reported to have laid off 14 developmentally disabled employees working at those locations. I have frequently been helped by some of these employees, who have minor disabilities, and I have been delighted with the kindness and cheerfulness shown to me. I will miss them, not only because they will no longer be there, but because I will no longer shop at a Haggens Store.
Haggen Pacific Southwest CEO Bill Shaner is quoted as saying in regard to the store layoffs, they were made “to ensure we’re operating as efficiently as possible.” Mr. Shaner, you are too efficient for me. You’ve just lost a customer.