Randalls to shutter store in west Houston

HOUSTON – Randalls is closing one of its most successful Houston locations, which is leading to some speculation that the grocery chain may be in play for a possible sale.

The grocer, a subsidiary of Safeway Inc., will close its 74,000-sf location in the Westchase Shopping Center in spring 2014. The Houston area has had a red-hot competitive grocery market in recent years.

A number of grocers opened locations in the area over the summer — from Fiesta Mart Inc. launching its latest concept in Sugar Land to newcomers Sprouts Farmers Market and The Fresh Market getting into the game.

In addition, discount grocer Illinois-based Aldi Inc. has made an aggressive push into the area and recently opened its 14th store, in Webster.