St. Helens Safeway due major makeover

Published 5:00 pm Tuesday, July 31, 2007

The St. Helens Safeway store will undergo a major makeover beginning in August.

It will be the first major improvements to the store in 12 years, store manager Doug Knight told Coast River Business Journal. The work is expected to be completed by the end of October.

Knight said shoppers should find little inconvenience, since much of the major work will be done during non-business hours.

The project will include a complete remodeling of the store’s interior; as well as expanded meat market, and larger produce, deli, and bakery departments; and the addition of a fresh seafood section. The store also will be outfitted with new food cases, along with the latest graphics and department signs.

The store’s front entry area will be completely redone. Carts will be moved outside the building. The current center entrance will be replaced with two entrances along the front of the building. The Starbuck’s coffee kiosk, which opened inside the store in June, will replace the center entrance and will be expanded to allow for seating for café customers. There also will be an outdoor seating area.

Knight said Safeway officials have been working on the improvement plans to the St. Helens store for sometime.

He said store employees are “really excited” to see the project. “I think our customers will be happy with the improvements,” he added.