It’s been a while since Kroger first announced its acquisition of Albertsons in October 2022. The acquiring firm has already agreed to sell 413 stores to avoid local monopoly complaints from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), with 237 other stores slated for dispatch if required by regulators. While this should address concerns from the FTC regarding the merger’s effect on competition, union-dominated “listening tours” have revealed anxiety around the potential for store closures and layoffs. Lacking in this conversation is how the merger could turn around Kroger’s recent market share decline, improving competition, consumer prices, and employment.
Read Full Article »
