Bashas' lays off some administrative workers

Citing a slowing economy and high fuel prices, Chandler-based grocer Bashas' is laying off some of its administrative workers to cut costs.

The company today laid off less than 1 percent of its 13,000-member work force, said spokeswoman Kristy Nied. She declined to provide an exact number.

The layoffs focus on administrative positions at three offices in the Valley: the Chandler headquarters, a central office on Seventh Street, and a distribution center on Chandler Boulevard, Nied said.

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In addition to a severance package, the workers are being placed on a preferential hiring list for open positions at Bashas' stores should they wish to pursue those opportunities, Nied said.

"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', in a statement. "We're streamlining our operations and rightsizing our company due to this economic downturn."