The imminent merger of two of the country’s biggest supermarket chains is causing Alaska lawmakers concerned about the availability of food options available in the state. Alaska Congresswoman Mary Peltola hosted an online town hall discussion on the topic Tuesday, utilizing the opportunity to stand in front of a controversial issue.
Safeway and Carrs owner Albertsons and Fred Meyer owner Kroger announced in the autumn that they will sell hundreds of stores which includes 14 locations in Alaska in order to meet the merger requirements. The buyer is based in New Hampshire. C&S Wholesale Grocers.
Peltola sent Peltola wrote a note to the Federal Trade Commission in August asking the agency to halt the merger. Senators from Alaska wrote the note on September 11, which expressed “deep concern” regarding how the merger will affect competition and prices.
In the town hall telecast Tuesday evening, Peltola said she was concerned over what the proposed merger would affect grocery choices within Alaska communities.
“Even with the best intentions, it’s too difficult for those who aren’t familiar with the challenges of Alaska…it’s it’s so simple for things to turn out the wrong way,” Peltola said.
The town hall witnessed unanimity of opinion against the merger by attendees who expressed gratitude for Peltola’s efforts. A few shared their stories about the effects of consolidation in grocery stores on their communities.
A Soldotna resident known as Art told me he noticed negative effects such as job loss and higher prices as Safeway and Carrs were merged in 1999.
“We have seen this before. The cycle of history repeats itself. If we don’t take lessons from our past, we’re in problems,” he said. “And Safeway and Fred Meyers right here in Soldotna are about nine or eight blocks away. Both parking spaces are crowded at any given moment. What’s going to occur?”
Experts have stated that the most likely stores to be auctioned off are Carrs and Safeway stores which are located close to an Fred Meyer. Peltola claimed that the news caused deep anxiety for her.
“There’s no situation where this would be an ideal outcome, especially for a community of that size is losing a complete grocery store,” she said.
Peltola asked a number of participants if she could utilize their feedback and personal stories to show the FTC. She stated that she hopes to see some action from the commission and she urged its chairperson, Lina Khan, to visit Alaska and talk to her those who are affected by the issue about how they might be impacted in a unique way.
The FTC is likely to review the merger until the beginning of next year..
