Submitted by Dick Muri, Steilacoom.
It appears the Kroger / Albertson’s merger is nearing completion. The FTC decision is approaching, and our Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s lawsuit is winding down in Seattle.
But why is Ferguson spending so many state resources on a case that will be superseded by the federal case? According to the Seattle Times, as of July he’d spent $6 million and $400,000 per month of taxpayer money on legal fees for this case. Also, the Judge in Ferguson’s case said he’s unclear about his ability to impact a national merger. (Seattle Times).
I’m a believer in the free market. Kroger and Albertsons say the very competitive marketplace is changing and Wal-Mart, Costco and Amazon have an ever-growing share of the market. Those market conditions seem clear, and if Kroger and Albertsons need this merger to compete and survive we should allow them to do it and let the market dictate their success or failure.
Also important, Kroger has been a longtime supporter of our nation’s veterans. Kroger has hired over 50,000 veterans in-stores, technology and logistics. They’ve committed over $41 million to the USO. They’ve also created the Veterans Associate Resource Group (ARG), uniting Kroger veterans and veteran supporters to highlight the talents and strengths of associates with military experience.
I think Kroger deserves and opportunity to sink or swim based on market conditions. Not a challenge from the State or Federal government.
Like always Mr Muri has good points. Let market decide who can win or lose. Mr Ferguson is nothing but a media wh**e. Anything puts him in front of camera may bring him some more exposure. But the liabilities he created for the state are going to deaf ears. I hope the voters may recognize his doings and put him where he belongs.
It’s amazing for years now Walmart has gone into hundreds of towns and put small grocery stores and hardware stores and paint shops and automotive repair shops and shoe stores out of business. And now we are worrried about a competitive market place. Hats off to the towns who voted walmart down.
Great points.
Ferguson needs to stay out of this
Personally if the merger goes thru I would be 50 to 60k better off on stock sale but for consumer I think it is a bad deal. Albertsons prices have become nothing short of terrible and it might bleed into Kroger pricing.
Supporting veterans is great, but what about all the hourly employees that get the short end of the stick? Most store employees are part time, losing out on key benefits and pay, but they’re scheduled full time for. Kroger, despite the union, continues to exploit and harm its hourlies. Stores are understaffed, retention is negative, and workers are pushed to achieve unrealistic goals. Walmart completely changed its relationship with its employees coming out of the pandemic and the company has prospered. If Kroger can’t compete, perhaps it should change its relationship with its employees instead of buying more through an unneeded merger.
I agree. Although I do work for Albertsons I do feel as though I was appreciated and treated more humanly when I was working for Walmart.