Food Fight: FTC Sues To Block Smith’s Albertsons Grocery Merger

Some time ago, Albertsons merged with Vons and the number of grocery store options have dwindled pretty significantly since. No more Glaziers. No more Fresh & Easy. That has left with the valley with Albertsons and Smith's, owned by corporate parent Kroger. Their plan since 2022 has been to get hitched and become one. Then the states got in the way. Now the FTC is stepping in.

In a press release that dropped Monday morning, the Federal Trade Commission announced they are suing to block the merger from happening, saying that the merger would be "anticompetitive" and leave, in many places, a virtual monopoly for grocery stores.

"The proposed deal will eliminate fierce competition between Kroger and Albertsons, leading to higher prices for groceries and other essential household items for millions of Americans," the FTC claimed in a statement. "The loss of competition will also lead to lower quality products and services, while also narrowing consumers’ choices for where to shop for groceries." The ramifications of a massive merger like this could also mean bad news for workers who would lose negotiation power, with few other employers in the sector.

You have heard people rattle the cages about the merger for a while. Nevada's own Attorney General also heard comments on the matter and joined the federal lawsuit alongside seven other states and the District Of Columbia.

Kroger and Albertsons have made the argument that the merged company would still not be as large as Walmart, who they consider to be the largest grocery store in the country. Now they will have to make that argument in a federal court in Oregon.

Thankfully more competition is on its way to the valley. Aldi is planning to open locations in the valley, and if the merger goes through, the owner of Piggly Wiggly grocery stores has agreed to buy some locations that will have to be spun off.

Whatever ends up happening, the FTC is already off to a pretty decent start this year blocking mergers. Ask JetBlue and Spirit.

Going to the grocery store is a routine task for many of us. It's a place where we gather the essentials of daily life, and it can be a bit of a chore. Supermarkets are often busy and filled with several shoppers, and the experience can sometimes be overwhelming. One factor that can significantly impact our grocery store trips is the behavior of fellow shoppers. Many of us have left the grocery store in a less-than-stellar mood, whether it's due to pushiness, rudeness, or simply being inconsiderate.

Supermarkets are like mini universes where everyone's in their own little world. As we navigate the aisles and make our selections, it's important to be mindful of our actions and how they can affect others. Being a considerate grocery shopper means being aware of your surroundings and thinking about others. This involves avoiding behaviors such as blocking aisles with your cart, leaving your cart unattended in inconvenient spots, or engaging in loud phone conversations that can disturb others. Instead, keep your cart to one side, move efficiently, and keep noise levels considerate.

Respecting personal space is another key aspect of good grocery shopping etiquette. We all move at different paces when we shop. And nobody likes feeling crowded, especially when trying to pick out your cereal. Don't tailgate fellow shoppers, and if someone's in your way, just be patient or politely ask if you can "scooch" past.

When it comes to selecting products, don’t turn into the hoarder of items, which can lead to empty shelves and inconvenience for others. Buying up everything in sight just creates stress for others. Grab what you need and leave some for the rest of us, especially during those crazy times when everyone's stocking up. Also, don't open packages or start sampling stuff unless the store gives you the green light.

Grocery shopping etiquette might not be rocket science, but it sure makes life easier for everyone. Since we spend so much time in these stores, let's make it a good experience for everyone. Just be mindful of what you're doing, respect personal space, and don't be a hoarder or a package opener. The next time you're on a grocery shopping adventure, remember that a little consideration can go a long way in making it enjoyable for you and your fellow shoppers.

Take a look at some additional grocery store behaviors to avoid below.

This should be common sense, but one of the fundamental rules of grocery store etiquette is to treat employees with respect and kindness. While it's understandable to occasionally have moments of price shock or policy gripes. But don't take it out on the people working at the grocery store. They're not the ones setting the prices. Venting your frustration on employees is never the right approach. Refrain from raising your voice or engaging in arguments with cashiers and staff members on the sales floor.

We all love the quick in-and-out experience of using self-checkout for those small hauls. But the self-service lane loses its charm when people with massive shopping carts, loaded with groceries decide to set up camp there. It's even worse when they have items needing special codes. So, think of self-checkout as the express lane, where it's best to stick to around ten items or less. Using the express checkout lane with more items than the posted limit can hold up the line for others who are following the rules. It's worth mentioning that many grocery stores are opting for more self-checkout lanes in their stores.

You've probably seen people snacking on food they haven't paid for yet at the grocery store. Some even take half-eaten items to the cashier to scan. This is not only rude but also unhygienic. It's like treating the store as your personal buffet and it makes others uncomfortable. While satisfying your cravings is perfectly fine, there are better ways to go about it.

You're bound to bump into a friend or neighbor while grocery shopping, but consider where you stop for a chat. If you see someone eyeing the produce behind you, it's a good sign to wrap up and find a quieter spot. Keep in mind that grocery store catch-ups should be relatively short. It's not the ideal time for lengthy reunions, especially if others are waiting to shop. The same courtesy applies to your shopping cart. Don't park your cart smack in the middle and block the way for everyone else.

If you change your mind about something while shopping, do everyone a favor and return it to where it belongs. Dumping unwanted items in random aisles instead of returning them to their proper creates frustration for both store employees and fellow shoppers. Nobody wants to discover a rogue carton of buttermilk sitting next to the potato chips. It makes the store messy, confuses people, and turns a simple grocery trip into a weird scavenger hunt. In some grocery stores, you might find cafes where you can stroll the aisles with a coffee or beverage in hand. Chances are you've come across half-empty Starbucks cups or abandoned water bottles among the store shelves. When you've finished your drink, it's best to dispose of the cup or bottle properly.

Bringing back your shopping cart is the most basic form of grocery store courtesy. Returning your shopping cart is a quick task and it's a huge help for the store staff. Additionally, left-behind carts can lead to more significant problems. A deserted cart in the parking area may potentially cause damage to vehicles. A cart left behind inside can cause a roadblock in the store.

When we're shopping at the grocery store, give people their personal space. Whether browsing the aisles for your favorite snacks or waiting in line at the checkout, respecting personal space is key. No one likes feeling crowded or rushed while making their selections, and we all appreciate a bit of privacy when completing our transactions.

When you're at the store, try not to use your phone too much. It's okay to make a quick call to roomie to ask about ketchup, but keep it quiet and brief. Save the catching up for later. Also, don't text and push your cart at the same time because you might bump into something or someone. Lastly, unless you're using your phone for digital coupons or rewards, it's best to put it away during checkout.