Bashas´ Makes A Less-Than-One-Percent Reduction In Its Administrative Workforce Due To Challenging Economy

CHANDLER, Ariz., May. 02 /PRNewswire/ --

CHANDLER, Ariz., May 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Citing a combination of uncontrollable factors -- including a downturn in the economy, and the rising cost of food, energy, fuel and healthcare, Bashas' today made a less-than-one-percent reduction of its administrative workforce.

"It's a challenging time for local businesses, and the grocery industry is no exception," said Mike Proulx, President and Chief Operating Officer of Bashas'. "We're streamlining our operations and rightsizing our company due to this economic downturn."

Some administrative job functions have been consolidated, while other positions less critical to supporting the grocer's day-to-day operations have been eliminated.

"The goal is to impact our stores as little as possible -- to have more help on our sales floors instead of on administrative tasks," said Proulx. "We remain committed to our customers and to serving the needs of our communities."

According to company officials, affected individuals were offered a severance package and have been put on a preferential hiring list for positions as they become available.

"Bashas' has faced challenges like these before, and our company is strong," said Proulx. "We will continue to focus our resources on our stores and on providing value to our shoppers. We're doing the things that we have to do to ensure that we will serve Arizona for many more years to come."

Bashas' was founded 76 years ago by brothers Ike and Eddie Basha, Sr. Since then, it has become the largest family-owned grocer in Arizona, the 8th largest employer in the state and a "Best Place to Work." Operating more than 160 grocery stores in Arizona, Bashas' is the 15th-largest privately-held supermarket chain in the nation. For more information, visit Bashas.com or BestCompaniesAz.com.