In response to a recent article on the Federal Trade Commission’s action on the merger of Kroger and Albertsons grocery chains, I agree it would restrict competition (“U.S. sues to block merger of grocery giants Kroger, Albertsons,” The Herald, Feb. 26). Also it would boost stock value and line the pockets of corporate executives.
Over the last dew decades, we’ve seen other grocery chains and independent ones get swallowed up by the big guys. Safeway, Albertsons, Fred Meyer, QFC were all separate entitles. Do you remember stores like Thriftway, Red Apple, Tradewell and Prairie Market? We have Town and Country, Whole Foods and PCC, if you can afford to shop there. And there is Trader Joes’s and Grocery Outlet.
The merger article quotes a Kroger spokesperson as saying Kroger’s business model is to take costs out of the business and invest in lowering prices for customers. Seriously? Do you think they’re going to lower prices?
As a person who was a union shop steward in the grocery business for many years, I’ve seen many labor contract negotiations up close. Corporate giants are looking out for larger profits and happy stockholders. Not for lower prices for consumers.
Things are fine they way they are. Say no to more mergers.
Robin Olson
Everett
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