Haggen gets green light to sell remaining stores in Washington, Oregon

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Grocer Haggen has gained approval to sell its remaining 33 stores in Washington and Oregon as part of bankruptcy proceedings.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross signed the order Friday with an auction slated for Feb. 5.

The Bellingham Herald reports the company will actively market the stores and negotiate deals beforehand if possible.

Haggen officials said in a statement the stores should attract buyers because they are well established and profitable. The sales are part of Chapter 11 bankruptcy filed earlier this year after purchasing nearly 150 stores from Albertsons and Safeway.

The Bellingham-based company failed to convert the stores, many of which have been auctioned.

Whether the name disappears will be up to investors or buyers who could keep the brand, which is well-known in the Pacific Northwest.