Corona del Mar Today: Albertsons to become Haggen Food & Pharmacy
Corona del Mar’s Albertsons will be part of a 146-store acquisition by Haggen Food & Pharmacy in 2015, according to a company news release.
The Pacific Northwest grocery chain, which was founded in 1933 in Bellingham, Wash., currently has 18 stores and with 16 pharmacies in Oregon and Washington.
The company announced in a recent news release that it will acquire 146 stores “as part of the divestment process brought about by the Federal Trade Commission’s review of the Albertson’s LLC and Safeway merger.”
The acquisition still needs FTC approval. If approved, Haggen will expand to 164 stores and 106 pharmacies in California, Nevada and Arizona and from 2,000 employees to more than 10,000.
The Albertsons at 3049 East Coast Hwy. will convert to a Haggen in the first half of the year, the release said, adding that employees will have the chance to stay on with Haggen.
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Newport chosen as event host town
Newport Beach has been chosen as a host town for this summer’s Special Olympics World Games.
“The city joins a list of communities from throughout Southern California that have agreed to host athletes from around the globe just prior to the start of the Games,” according to the city’s website.
The 2015 Special Olympics World Games will take place from July 25 to Aug. 2 in Los Angeles with 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing 177 countries, according to a news release.
About 500,000 spectators and 30,000 volunteers are expected, making the event the largest sports and humanitarian event in the world next year, and the largest event held in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games, the release said.
“Through the good work of our local host committee and generous community support, we will offer practice facilities, housing, social and cultural activities, and more to make their stay memorable,” Mayor Ed Selich said in a statement.
The city, along with several other Southern California communities, will host athletes and their families and coaches. Newport Beach will host about 100 participants.
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Dawn Sunflower Boutique opens
A Los Angeles-based designer has opened a new boutique at 2610 East Coast Hwy.
Dawn Sunflower Boutique features items designed by Dawn Nguyen, who along with Bieu Lu was issued a business license in November.
“From the outset, Dawn has been known for her unique woman, classic elegant styles and luxurious cuts,” the business’ website states. “Her vision is to turn delicate, good-quality fabrics to fashion with a single moment that will transform a women’s body into art. Her sophisticated designs are movements toward Hollywood glamour, flattering women’s expressions of beauty and unique sexiness.”
The shop replaces the Harper’s boutique, which closed Oct. 1 and now operates online only.
Dawn Sunflower Boutique will be closed through New Year’s Day, Nguyen said in an email. She said a grand opening event will take place Jan. 10, with a cocktail party from noon to 7 p.m. and a fashion show at 2 p.m.
Corona del Mar Today appears Sundays in the Daily Pilot. Read daily updates at coronadelmartoday.com.