Gelson’s Markets has reached an agreement with Ralphs to sell its La Costa store in Carlsbad, California, with ownership and operations expected to transfer March 9.
Gelson’s said the store, which it has operated for 10 years, has faced ongoing financial challenges for some time and remains unprofitable despite continued efforts to improve performance.
The sale to Ralphs, which is owned by The Kroger Co., involves only the La Costa location. Gelson’s will continue to operate stores in the Del Mar and Pacific Beach communities of metro San Diego. Gelson’s also plans to open a new store in early 2026 at Toluca Lake.
Gelson’s said in a statement that it intends to operate the La Costa store through the end of February: “Throughout [the transition] process, our top priority has been the employees who work there. We intentionally sought a buyer willing to retain as many team members as possible rather than pursuing a closure without transition opportunities.
“We remain focused on supporting them during the coming weeks. We also want to thank our Carlsbad area customers for their loyalty and look forward to welcoming them at our Del Mar and Pacific Beach locations.”
[RELATED: Gelson’s Markets Launches Artisanal Cheese Boxes]
About Gelson’s Markets
Recognized as one of the top 10 grocery stores in America by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and voted Best Supermarket in the West by Consumer Reports, Gelson’s Markets operates 26 markets across Southern California, along with ReCharge by Gelson’s, a convenience store concept in Santa Ana.
Gelson’s customers will find produce, meat, seafood, bakery and floral departments, chef-crafted meals from Gelson’s Kitchen, a private label program and a curated mix of local, specialty and organic products. Select locations feature wine bars that serve as community gathering spots.
No !!!!!! I hate Ralph’s . Love Gelsons since I shopped in Encino in the early 70’s. I am so upset about this stupid decision . Nothing of quality anymore in La Costa/Carlsbad . The best staff. Please don’t take Denise or Bobbie !
Thank you very much Suzie! It’s our choice on if we want to remain in the building. At this point Bobby and I are evaluating our options. We both Love and appreciate our customers very much and look forward to seeing everyone before the end of La Costa Gelsons.
Devastated to hear this. We love our local Gelsons store, all the employees and the community of customers we have come to know over the last 10 years
So sad and disappointed to hear that our local La Costa GELSONS will become a Ralph’s. Our GELSONS community has been like family over the years it’s been here and we’ve met MANY employees and customers we call friends. Nothing good lasts anymore and it’s incredibly frustrating as a consumer.
I’m so sad to read this. Best salad bar and staff. Plus the wine bar and great service deli items. This is a loss for our community. 🙁
I will miss Denise, Lisa, Barbara and especially Bobby.
I, too, am outraged to hear about this. It is a wonderful store, they empty your cart and everyone is so nice. the deli is qreat. Soup station fab. And don’t get me started about Ralph’s.
Crushed to hear Gelsons is sold to Ralph’s.
I hope they keep the wonderful employees.
The food we buy at Gelsons is superior to anywhere else.
Not a Happy New Year here.
Troy and all the staff have given me excellent service and kindness at the La Costa location. I will go to the Del Mar Gelson’s for my specialty items. Best wishes to all the staff and thank for making me feel so welcomed on each visit.
My wife and I feel terrible about the closing of Carlsbad Gelson’s. We came to know the friendly and helpful staff well. We will miss the excellent service 🥲
Wow! So inconvenient. This is a great place to buy real quality food. Operating a grocery store at a profit should not be about junk food. King Corn is a doc that should be seen. My grandfather warned me in the 1950’s about corn and its downside. Point of view…..