I definitely prefer to shop at a Safeway than at Fry's, two words: less crowded. The overall shopping experience is calmer and less chaotic, almost like you are at a higher end grocery store.
Sure prices are mostly a tad bit higher, but for the price of my sanity and not fearing being run over by grocery carts, I'll go to Safeway any day!
I am subtracting one star for the fact that it seems like after 9pm, every night, they only have 1 cashier open?? The line has been like 5-6 people deep for 1 check out line. They are always quick and friendly which helps. This isn't a deal breaker for me, since I still go there, just may be a point of improvement.