H-E-B buys three Alberstons stores in Texas

H-E-B has acquired three Albertsons stores in the Texas communities of College Station, Kerrville and New Braunfels, which will be closed by Albertsons October 2011.

The Kerrville location will be converted to an H-E-B, giving the community its second H-E-B store. In New Braunfels and College Station, H-E-B recently opened brand new stores in July and September 2010, respectively. As such, the acquired Albertsons locations in these communities will not be converted into H-E-B stores but instead made available for lease. H-E-B aims to attract new retailers and jobs to the area with this available space.

"We view these acquisitions as an opportunity to expand the retail experience in these communities and offer new jobs," said Winell Herron, H-E-B group VP of public affairs and diversity.

H-E-B has committed $4.5 million as an overall investment in the current Kerrville location to expand the store's parking lot and retrofit the store to meet the high expectations of its customers. The remodel of the 49,000 square-foot store will take approximately 30 days from the date of its closing as an Albertsons in mid October.

"We think [our Kerrville customers] will be pleased to find H-E-B's low prices, fresh products and our signature customer service in a location that is convenient for them."

Albertsons employees at all the locations are being offered the opportunity to interview for positions at H-E-B. Additionally, all Albertsons pharmacy customers will be transferred to H-E-B. These customers will be able to have their prescription needs met at any H-E-B store without an interruption in service.

San Antonio, Texas-based H-E-B operates 332 stores in Texas and Mexico.