(Phoenix, AZ) -- Several grocery stores in Phoenix and Tucson are closing. The company behind the chain stores say they need to trim the fat in order to improve what they are calling operational efficiencies. The company is closing Safeway stores on East Thunderbird Road in Phoenix and West Thunderbird Road in Glendale. The company also owns Albertson's and says the store in Tucson will be shutting down as well. Officials say they are working to get employees new jobs before the end of the month.