Palm Springs, CA

In April 2024, we did a story on the Federal Trade Commission’s suit to block the merger between Supermarket giants Kroger (Ralphs) and Albertsons, citing potential higher grocery prices and reduced competition.

Now, Kroger and Albertsons have released a list of 579 stores that we be sold off to a company called C&S Wholesale Grocers who “entered into a definitive agreement to purchase 413 stores, eight distribution centers and two offices that have become available due to The Kroger Co. and Albertsons Companies Inc. merger” according to a press release by the company if the merger is approved.

In the Coachella Valley, these stores include:

• Albertsons – 1751 N Sunrise Way Ste 1, Palm Springs
• Vons – 4733 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs
• Albertsons – 42095 Washington St, Palm Desert
• Vons – 78271 Hwy 111, La Quinta

The merger still faces steep competition as not only the Federal Trade Commission is challenging the $24.6 billion dollar merger, but according to NBC Los Angeles, “The United Food and Commercial Workers union, which represents grocery workers, issued a statement Tuesday saying it continues to oppose the merger.”

The companies are touting the merger to offer competitiveness against major players like Walmart and Amazon in the grocery industry however, many are skeptical that if the two stores merge, there will be less competition in the Golden state, and prices will go up.

Self Checkout Lanes At Ralphs