Two Democratic Alaska lawmakers are urging the Federal Trade Commission to block a proposed merger between grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons.
Reps. Ivy Spohnholz and Zack Fields co-chair the Alaska House Committee on Labor & Commerce, and on Oct. 31 they sent aIn Anchorage, the two primary grocery chains are Carrs and Fred Meyer, which are owned by Albertsons and Kroger, respectively.“And these stores are today, the major competitors in Kenai, , in Wasilla , in Fairbanks, in Juneau, and in Anchorage. So in the five largest population centers in the state,” Fields said.
But Fields does not buy that argument. Alaskans already pay some of the highest grocery prices in the country and Fields worries the merger would send prices significantly higher. He says mergers like these generally result in price spikes. “That would be the first time in human history that reduced competition has lowered prices,” Fields said. “I don’t think this company is going to suspend the laws of economics and common sense. To the contrary, they would be closing stores, reducing consumer choice, and of course, because there’s no longer meaningful competition, raising prices.”
Carrs and Fred Meyer are two of Alaska’s leading employers, and Fields says a merger would also hurt their thousands of workers in the state by taking away bargaining power, leading to lower wages and benefits. He hasn’t yet heard back from the FTC, but Fields says he has confidence in chair Lina Khan, who has been skeptical of corporate consolidation and its impacts on consumers.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jewel was founded over a century ago. With Kroger-Albertsons merger looming, Chicago’s hometown grocer is once again poised for change.The parent companies of Mariano’s and Jewel are likely to divest some stores in the Chicago area in order for the merger to get antitrust approval, raising questions about what Chicago’s hometown grocer will look like when and if the deal goes through.
Read more »
GRAY TELEVISION FUTURE FOCUS INTERN - KTUU in Anchorage, AKAre you among the best and brightest at your college or university and are contemplating what's next? Life is short. Stop waiting for “real life” to start and put your knowledge to the test. Launch your media career with Gray Television's paid internship program! As a _paid_ intern, you won't si...
Read more »
Anchorage Zen Community seeks awareness sitting in silenceANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — For more than three decades, members of the Anchorage Zen Community have gathered in unusual venues -- from a busy strip mall to a converted garage -- with the same intention: simply to sit and meditate in silence.
Read more »
NEWS ANCHOR/REPORTER - KTUU in Anchorage, AK**About Gray Television:** Gray Television is a leading media company that owns and operates high-quality stations in 113 television markets that collectively reach 36 percent of US television households. We constantly strive for excellence. Through upgrading to the latest technology and seekin...
Read more »
The Anchorage Garden Club held its 61st Annual Flower Show this weekendThe Anchorage Garden Club held a fall-themed Flower Show at the Central Lutheran Church.
Read more »
MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST - KTUU in Anchorage, AK**About Gray Television:** Gray Television is a leading media company that owns and operates high-quality stations in 113 television markets that collectively reach 36 percent of US television households. We constantly strive for excellence. Through upgrading to the latest technology and seekin...
Read more »