SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.- After nearly five-months of being empty, nationwide supermarket chain Albertsons is moving into the building once home to Scolari's in San Luis Obispo.
"The fact that it was community run and owned operated made it obviously so much nicer to support. Everyone loved having a grocery store so close," says Mike Leibovich, a Central Coast shopper.
Many shoppers are blaming today's tough economy as the reason why "mom and pop shops" can't seem to stay open.
"It's kind of sad that the government has made it to where mom and pop shops can't survive anymore," says Bob Collins, a Central Coast shopper.
There is not one business that isn't franchised in the center where Albertsons plans to move in.
"I mean I think it's always sad to see another one go so I think this town likes to rally around those types of businesses so in that sense it's a shame," says Leibovich.
Back to June, Albertons announced it was laying off more than 2,000 workers at its stores in Southern California and Nevada. Central Coast News reached out to Albertsons Corporate Office to see what they had to say about the new location and declined to comment but released this statement saying:
Albertsons is pleased to announce that plans are now underway for a new Albertsons store at 1321 Johnson Ave. in downtown San Luis Obispo. The store is scheduled to open for business the summer of 2013 and construction to remodel the 30,000 square foot store is scheduled to begin next spring. Albertsons looks forward to making this new location the best neighborhood grocery store choice for San Luis Obispo residents. The in-store features will be tailored to meet the community's unique shopping needs and preferences.
-Lilia M. Rodriguez, Albertsons Spokesperson
Many shoppers say regardless of the changes they are happy to see another store opening.
"I think to a certain degree competition is healthy but I would prefer not have to travel far at least by bike or foot so it will be nice again," says Leibovich.
