<p>The city of Chicago has formed a task force to find buyers for those Dominick’s stores left vacant after parent company Safeway exits the Chicago market. Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s office made the announcement on Thursday, according to the Chicago Tribune.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Chaired by Deputy Mayor Steve Koch, the task force will assist in marketing the stores that don’t sell, while also working to ensure smooth transitions of the purchased Dominick’s locations. </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>On December 28th, Dominick’s plans to close all stores that haven’t found new owners. Only 15 stores out of 72 locations have been purchased by other grocery retailers. Jewel’s parent has entered into an agreement to purchase 4 stores and Roundy’s has agreed to buy 11.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">The mayor said the group will focus on the economic impact of the closings to ensure access to fresh produce around the city, while supporting workers affected by the closings.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>"It is essential that as we go through this transition we do all we can to ensure that these stores are returned to active use, so we can minimize impact on food access in our communities and ensure that these economic anchors continue to benefit our neighborhoods," the Mayor said. "It is also critical that we do whatever we can to support the workers at these stores and their families."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">The task force will have representation from the City Council, labor, city departments and agencies as well as industry experts.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-dominicks-stores-task-force-20131205,0,7051475.story<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">" target="_new">Chicago Tribune</a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
