In 1971, Albertsons purchased a controlling interest in the Texas-based chain of Osco Drug stores. The purchase gave Albertsons 217 stores in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
The company expanded rapidly in Texas during the 1970s. By 1976, it had opened 50 new stores in the state and acquired the Dallas-based chain of Hinky Dinky Supermarkets. By 1978, Albertsons had 271 stores in Texas, making it the state’s second-largest grocery chain behind Safeway.
Albertsons continued to grow in Texas throughout the 1980s. In 1984, it acquired the San Antonio-based Piggly Wiggly grocery chain, which added another 36 stores to its portfolio. In 1987, Albertsons acquired the Houston-based Handy Andy grocery chain, adding another 54 stores.
By the early 1990s, Albertsons was the largest grocery chain in Texas with 461 stores. The company’s rapid expansion in the state came to a halt in the mid-1990s when it began divesting itself of its non-core businesses.
In 1995, Albertsons sold its Osco Drug store division to CVS. In 1996, it sold its Hinky Dinky Supermarkets to Kroger. And in 1997, it sold its Piggly Wiggly and Handy Andy grocery chains to HEB.
Albertsons continued to operate a large number of stores in Texas until 2006 when it sold its remaining 150 stores in the state to SUPERVALU. Since then, Albertsons has largely exited the Texas market.
In 1971, Albertsons purchased a controlling interest in the Texas-based chain of Osco Drug stores. The company expanded rapidly in Texas during the 1970s. Albertsons continued to grow in Texas throughout the 1980s.
By the early 1990s, Albertsons was the largest grocery chain in Texas with 461 stores. In 1995, Albertsons sold its Osco Drug store division to CVS. Albertsons continued to operate a large number of stores in Texas until 2006 when it sold its remaining 150 stores in the state to SUPERVALU.
