(North County Beat) – Kroger and Albertsons have announced plans to divest 579 locations as part of their proposed mega-merger. This decision, aimed at appeasing regulatory concerns, includes shedding 63 stores in California and 11 in San Diego alone.
The majority of the affected stores in California are concentrated in the southern part of the state, with notable names like Vons and Pavilions on the divestiture list. Kroger’s CEO communicated the plans to employees through a memo, assuring them of potential job retention under C&S Wholesale Grocers, the proposed buyer, should the merger proceed.
However, the merger faces significant opposition from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which argues that the $24.6 billion deal could lead to reduced competition in the grocery market and potentially higher consumer prices. This stance has garnered support from the United Food and Commercial Workers union, which has steadfastly opposed the merger since its announcement over 20 months ago.
Legal challenges loom large for Kroger and Albertsons, with hearings scheduled to begin in late July and extend through September. Despite assurances from Kroger that no closures of stores, distribution centers, or manufacturing facilities are planned, the opposition remains resolute in its assertion that the merger would have adverse effects on workers, consumers, suppliers, and local communities.
In San Diego, the proposed divestiture would affect various well-known grocery outlets, including Vons and Albertsons locations scattered across the city, further intensifying local concerns about potential changes in ownership and operations.
These 11 San Diego stores include:
- Vons – 6951 El Camino Real, Carlsbad
- Vons – 3439 Via Montebello, Carlsbad
- Vons – 2606 Del Mar Heights Road, Del Mar
- Albertsons – 2899 Jamacha Road, El Cajon
- Pavilions – 7544 Girard Ave, La Jolla
- Pavilions – 3850 Valley Centre Dr, San Diego
- Vons – 11986 Bernardo Plaza Dr, San Diego
- Vons – 1702 Garnet Ave, San Diego
- Vons – 2495 Truxtun Road Ste 100, San Diego
- Vons – 9643 Mission Gorge Road, Santee
- Albertsons – 543 Sweetwater Road, Spring Valley
