Merger might lead to Albertsons stores in Washington County going up for sale

ST. GEORGE, Utah — Two stores in Washington County would go up for sale if the new proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons is approved, changing the competition picture in that area.

Almost 600 stores are to be sold across the nation if the merger is approved. Albertsons and Kroger will still have more than 5-thousand stores in 48 states.

Washington County officials are hoping that those Albertsons stores will find buyers soon to keep competition in the business. 

“We don’t want to see these companies lead the way. We want to move quickly to replace them as we all know grocery prices are really hurting our working class. So we want as much competition as possible,” Economic Development Director, Darren Prince said.

The employees of the stores who would be displaced would face a positive market thanks to an economic boom in the area, Washington County said.

“Both stores have quite a few employees. So it will be a big change for them. Fortunately. There’s a lot of jobs available here in southern, Utah,” Prince said.

Although the impact in competition would be felt, the major benefit of the proposal is to help keep prices down, Prince said.

The Albertsons-Kroger plan is expected to divest its stores and other assets to the owner of the Piggly-Wiggly stores in the nationwide sale.

The merger still needs Federal Trade Commission approval.

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