Cancelled Transaction: Albertsons Smith’s Merger Over
At the alter of the Albertsons Smith’s merger, right before the lawyer declared them one big, massive grocery chain, several judges ran in and objected. Now, it is over. Albertsons is throwing in the towel and the potential of the two biggest grocery stores in Southern Nevada becoming one is over.
The decision was officially announced Wednesday morning. Albertsons (who owns Vons and other brands from another merger which lowered choice in the region) came to the conclusion that the path to merging with Smith’s owner Kroger would be rife with anti-trust roadblocks and not worth the time.
Why The Albertsons Smith’s Merger Ending Could Be A Good Thing
If you listened to the companies in the Albertsons Smith’s merger, they would tell you their corporate union was a necessary one, comparing them to Walmart who has a much larger footprint.
But Walmart is not a pure-play grocer. Albertsons, Vons, Smith’s, they are all purely in the grocery game. Particularly in Southern Nevada where the vast majority of grocery locations are one of the three.
With a merger (and a paltry spinoff of a handful of locations) say goodbye to comparison shopping to save money on strawberries, chicken, cereal and more. The Just For U app, already spread to two brands that used to have independent promotions, apps and circulars of their own, could stretch to three.
One circular in your mailbox with three logos. No stopping at Smith’s one day and Albertsons the next to get different deals and stretch your dollar as far as you can.
The Federal Trade Commission also made it clear that they objected to the merger on two fronts: consumers and employees. People working at these grocery stores, some of them unionized, would have far less negotiating power to earn a living wage in their jobs.
So with today’s news, the Albertsons Smith’s merger is dead and gone. Although if you’ve stopped by the Vons on Warm Springs and Durango – a location that was set to be spun off if they merged because there is a Smith’s across the street – you’ll notice it has been undergoing a remodel. Maybe they knew it wouldn’t be approved all along.
Steer Clear: 8 Grocery Store Behaviors to Avoid
Disrespecting Employees
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.
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Packing Out the Express Checkout
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.
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Aisle Bites
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.
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Grocery Blocker
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.
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Stashing Unwanted Groceries and Trash
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.
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Leaving Your Grocery Cart Wherever
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.
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Lack of Personal Space
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.
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Rude Cellphone Usage
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.
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