Safeway (Northern Ireland)

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Safeway (Northern Ireland) was a supermarket that operated in Northern Ireland between 1996 and 2005, when it was acquired by ASDA.

Safeway (Northern Ireland) was formed in 1996 from the larger Wellworths stores. Smaller Wellworths stores were acquired by Musgrave Group and renamed Wellworths-Supervalu. Safeway (Northern Ireland) was a joint venture between Safeway (UK) and Musgrave Group. Despite the partial ownership by Safeway UK stores were operated as any other Safeway outlet in the UK, offering a full range of Safeway own-label products and produce local to Northern Ireland.

Following Morrisons takeover of Safeway UK in March 2004, Safeway (Northern Ireland) continued to operate under the Safeway name, while Safeway (UK) stores were gradually rebranded as Morrisons stores. Safeway (Northern Ireland) immediately switched to Morrisons' packaging and started to phase out Safeway own brand products in favour of the Morrison label. It was becoming apparent, however, that Morrisons did not see a long-term future in Northern Ireland.

Along with a number of other former Safeway UK interests, Morrisons disposed of their interest in Safeway (Northern Ireland) in 2005, when the group was wholly acquired by ASDA.