Nearly two months after Albertsons and Safeway announced their official merger, any possible changes for Sequim’s Safeway at 680F W. Washington St., seem minimal for the time being.

Jim Gorden, Sequim store director since 2008, said there are no major changes planned at this time that customers might see.

Customers asked a lot of questions at first, Gorden said, after the merger was first announced in March of last year. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission approved the merger of AB Acquisition LLC (Albertsons) and Safeway Inc. on Jan. 27.

In a release from the companies, it states that part of the agreement led the companies to divest themselves of 168 stores to four other chains including Port Angeles’ Albertsons, which now belongs to Haggen.

Albertsons and Safeway also agreed to settlements with the attorneys general of California, Nevada and Washington.

Tairsa Worman, communications manager for Albertsons/Safeway, said at this time there are no plans to close the Sequim store, change the Safeway banner, change the fuel rewards program and the “Just for U” and Safeway loyalty cards.

“Albertsons and Safeway both have their own respective strengths and we will be bringing the best of both companies to our stores,” Worman said. “We will continue to carry the exclusive line of Safeway private brands, such as O Organics and Open Nature. Safeway also will be switching to Albertsons fried chicken recipe and adding fresh-cut fruit and vegetables.”

She said the companies also will focus on bringing in a greater variety of local products.

Sequim’s Safeway opened across the street in 1981 where JCPenney currently resides at 651 W. Washington St.

The store moved in October 1992 to its current location, opened the fuel station in November 2001 and remodeled the inside of the grocery store in 2004 and opened 24 hours a day.

Gorden said they have 110 full-time and part-time employees among the grocery store, pharmacy and fuel station.

As the two companies combine, Worman said they “anticipate some workforce reductions at the corporate level.”

In Washington, there 170 Albertsons and Safeway stores.

When asked about expected changes, Worman said “The only changes customers should expect to see in the coming months are improvements.”

Safeway Inc. was reported to have sales of $35.1 billion in 2013 and was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange following the merger.

For more information call Sequim Safeway at 681-2905.