Safeway Inc. said last month that it plans to open about 25 new stores and remodel about 275 others next year. The company has already remodeled about 43% of its 1,767 stores to the “Lifestyle” format, which includes bakeries, a produce section reminiscent of an outdoor market and large flower shop areas.

Safeway Inc. said last month that it plans to open about 25 new stores and remodel about 275 others next year. The company has already remodeled about 43% of its 1,767 stores to the “Lifestyle” format, which includes bakeries, a produce section reminiscent of an outdoor market and large flower shop areas. It expects 94% of its stores to be set in the “Lifestyle” format in 2009.

The California-based chain, the No. 3 grocer in the U.S., also said that initiatives ranging from organic baby food to massive growth in its relatively unknown Blackhawk gift card unit should help grow long-term earnings this year.