On Friday, Kroger and Albertsons Cos. agreed to sell over 400 stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers.
The move could help convince the Federal Trade Commission to approve the proposed $24.6 billion Kroger, Albertsons merger deal.
So, is the deal with C&S Wholesale Grocers good for the supermarket industry at large? Here’s what you had to say about it:
Collin Kinning, Retail Analyst
A key long-term question is will Kroger have the resources to maintain all these different brands especially when/if some struggle like A&P did.
I don't have a problem with it as there are many large competitors with very deep pockets that can hold their own because they only have one of just a few chain names including Walmart, Meijer, Publix, H-E-B and Aldi that will keep the market very competitive.
Kroger's private label program has always been a tremendous strength they’ve smartly put across their chains but other retailers have created strong programs as well.
It’s going to be a tough challenge, one to be watched for many years to come.
Dominic Ambrosano, Asm of Fresh
C&S has helped plenty in getting deals done by buying some stores then selling them off. My former company was half bought by Giant the other half by C&S then dumped to A&P/Superfresh. All closed in a year.
Edward Rainwater, Retail Counselor at Piggly Wiggly Alabama
Sounds like C&S will be supplying Kroger and Albertsons after the merger. It will be a great deal for C&S.
Mike Wieltschnig, Asm of Fresh, Giant Company
Kroger and Albertsons won’t get rid of workers but C&S will when they close the stores they bought. Watch out!
Mike Mielko
I’ve seen this movie, and it did not end well for A&P and all their mergers. Tread carefully.
Brian Bonner
The question in Southern California is what banner will survive? Ralphs, Food4Less, Vons, Pavilions, Albertsons? We have a partial answer with the licensing of the Albertsons name to C&S.
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Have another thought? Add your comment below or email the SN staff at [email protected], and make sure to include your first and last name and job title.
