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Major Moves in the Grocery Aisle: Understanding the Kroger-Albertsons Merger and Its Impact in California

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empty shopping cart on yellow background.Kroger
Photo by SHVETS production on Pexels.com

In a bold stroke reshaping the landscape of supermarket shopping in Southern California, Kroger and Albertsons have decided to sell off 63 of their stores in a significant development emerging from their proposed $25 billion merger. This decision marks a crucial step toward complying with regulatory requirements and moving ahead with what is poised to be the largest grocery merger in U.S. history.

The Orange County Patch recently highlighted the implications of this massive retail shake-up, particularly noting the concentration of store sales in Southern California. Among the stores being offloaded, iconic names such Vons, Albertsons, and Pavilions feature heavily, underscoring the massive impact this deal is poised to have on the local grocery shopping experience.

Why Sell These Stores?

Kroger and Albertsons first announced their intention to merge back in 2022, which promptly drew scrutiny from federal antitrust regulators. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) expressed worries that the merger could stifle competition, elevate prices, and lessen choices for consumers. Additionally, union leaders and the FTC have raised concerns about potential adverse effects on the workforce, which includes over 710,000 employees.

In response, and to secure federal approval, Krofer and Albertsons planned the divestiture of these stores. Originally setting a goal to sell more than 400 stores nationwide, they later revised this to offloading 572 stores, along with six distribution centers and a dairy plant, aiming to appease regulatory authorities and push forward the merger.

Who’s Taking Over?

The stores, alongside the additional facilities, are set to be acquired by C&S Wholesale Grocers. Based in New Hampshire, C&S owns the Piggy Wiggly and Grand Union brands and has agreed to continue operating the purchased stores. Importantly, they have committed to honoring existing collective bargaining agreements and avoiding layoffs, providing some reassurance to the thousands of employees affected by this transition.

A Closer Look at the Affected Stores

Local shoppers might need to brace themselves for changes as their familiar grocery spots transition to new management. Key locations include Vons on Kanan Rd in Agoura Hills, Pavilions on W Olympic Blvd in Beverly Hills, and Albertsons on Sepulveda Blvd in Carson, among others. This sweeping change affects not only major urban centers but also reaches smaller communities and coastal areas, highlighting the widespread impact of this deal across various demographics and locations.

What Does This Mean for Consumers?

While the larger narrative around this merger has focused on its logistical and employee-related ramifications, from a consumer perspective, the outcomes are twofold. On one hand, the consolidation of such major players in the grocery industry could lead to higher prices due to reduced competition. On the other hand, Kroger’s CEO Rodney McMullen has argued that the merger will allow for $1 billion in savings on administrative costs, potentially leading to lower prices at the register and higher wages for store employees.

As the suit by the FTC is scheduled to go to trial at the end of August, all eyes will be on how this unfolds and what it ultimately means for grocery shoppers in California and beyond. Will the promises of lower prices and better wages materialize, or will this merger lead to a less competitive market? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the grocery shopping experience in Southern California is on the cusp of a major transformation.

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Read the full story in the Orange County edition of “The Patch”

https://patch.com/california/orange-county/s/ixr3e/kroger-albertsons-name-ca-stores-to-be-sold-during-25b-mega-merger

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IKEA halves restaurant prices to side with customers amid cost-of-living pressures

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MALMÖ, Sweden /PRNewswire/ — Guided by the vision of creating a better everyday life for the many people, Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer, is stepping up efforts to support customers with low price while ensuring long-term growth. In many IKEA markets around the world*, the price of restaurant meals will be halved Monday through Friday, and children will eat for free.

IKEA
IKEA reduces food prices (photo credit IKEA)

With hundreds of millions of guests visiting IKEA restaurants every year, the company aims to inspire a better everyday life through food that is healthier, more sustainable, and affordable. As part of ongoing investments in the in-store experience, Ingka Group is introducing this price drop to help people stretch their budgets, nourish their families, and find a little more joy.

For example, in France, the price of lunch for a family of four, which includes two hot-meals with meatballs for adults and two meals for kids, will cost EUR 6.96 instead of EUR 19.9. In addition, all restaurant guests will receive a EUR 5 voucher to use in-store.

“Food has always been very important for IKEA, and we wanted to enable even more people to enjoy our restaurant offer while exploring our home furnishing range,” says Tolga Öncü, Ingka Retail Manager (COO) at IKEA Retail (Ingka Group). “Securing the lowest possible price for our products is always our utmost goal, and this is even more important in today’s times of economic uncertainties and cost-of-living pressures.”

At the same time, IKEA is refreshing its food offer with new dishes inspired by Asian flavours, expanding affordable, healthy options for customers.

“We always look for ways to bring more variety to our food offer, especially with new plant-based options,” says Lorena Lourido Gomez, Global Food Manager, IKEA Retail (Ingka Group). “We will soon launch our very first falafel, adding this popular food to our restaurants and, later, to our Swedish Food Markets. Good quality, low price, and making a positive difference for the planet – those ingredients remain a guiding star for our food business.”

Heading toward the end of FY25, IKEA remains focused on helping customers make the most of their finances while delivering value through both food and home furnishing.

*Austria, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, UK.

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www.ingka.com/newsroom/latest-news

SOURCE IKEA

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Slate Auto’s $20K EV Truck Dream Collapses Under Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”

Slate Auto’s sub-$20K electric pickup is no more—Trump’s new bill kills the EV tax credit that made the price possible.

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Slate Auto

Image Credit: Slate Auto

The Affordable EV Dream, Derailed

Slate Auto made waves in early 2025 by announcing an electric pickup truck with a revolutionary promise: a starting price under $20,000. With a minimalist, modular design and direct-to-consumer sales model, the company hoped to disrupt the industry by delivering a rugged, no-frills EV that everyday drivers could actually afford.

But that promise may now be broken.

In July 2025, the newly passed “Big Beautiful Bill” from President Donald Trump eliminated the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, a cornerstone of Slate’s pricing model. And as of now, Slate has quietly removed its sub-$20K price claims, signaling a dramatic shift in its market positioning.

What Was the Original Plan?

Slate Auto’s vision was simple:

Base price of the pickup: ~$25,000 Subtract $7,500 tax credit → final cost: $17,500 Optional bolt-on accessories and upgrades for customization

This formula positioned the Slate truck as a compelling solution for tradespeople, students, rural drivers, and eco-conscious buyers seeking low-cost alternatives to gas trucks.

What Changed?

The Trump administration’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” passed in July 2025, includes a provision that eliminates all federal EV tax credits starting September 30, 2025. That means:

No more $7,500 off at the point of sale Budget EVs like Slate’s are left to float—or sink—on their true retail pricing EV industry analysts warn of broader slowdowns in adoption

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For Slate, it means their truck is no longer “America’s first under-$20K EV pickup.” Instead, the expected price now ranges from $25,000 to $27,500, and could rise to $35K with add-ons—putting it closer to competitors like the Ford Maverick Hybrid and Chevy Equinox EV.

The Fallout

This change hits hard for Slate, which built its brand on simplicity and accessibility. Without the tax credit:

Entry-level customers are priced out Preorder holders may cancel based on unexpected price hikes Market differentiation is weakened, as affordability was Slate’s primary value proposition

Meanwhile, critics argue the rollback of tax credits slows EV adoption at a critical time in the climate fight. Environmental groups and consumer advocates are already pushing back, saying the bill disproportionately hurts low- and middle-income Americans who were just beginning to consider electric vehicles.

What’s Next for Slate?

Slate says it still plans to begin production in late 2026, but without the EV credit, it must rework its pricing strategy and value offering. Possibilities include:

Offering fewer standard features Creating stripped-down fleet or worksite models Lobbying for state-level incentives to offset federal losses

Whether these changes will be enough to keep Slate competitive remains to be seen.

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Final Thoughts

The electric vehicle space is undergoing seismic shifts, and the demise of the federal EV tax credit is likely to create ripple effects across the industry. For Slate Auto, the dream of a sub-$20K EV pickup may be over—but if they can pivot wisely, the company could still carve out a niche in the fast-evolving electric truck market.

Visit Slate Auto: https://www.slate.auto/en

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Consumer Corner

Roll Through Summer Safely: 7 tips for safe seasonal driving

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seasonal driving

Safe Seasonal Driving

(Family Features) Between increased road travel traffic, warmer pavement, higher rates of construction and more, summer driving comes with a litany of potential safety hazards. However, knowing the condition of one of your vehicle’s most important safety components – the tires – can help mitigate risks. After all, it’s the only piece of your vehicle that makes contact with the road. Before setting out on vacation (or just driving across town), consider this advice from Discount Tire’s experts to help drivers like you stay safe on the road this summer. Rotate Regularly Tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles, or earlier if uneven wear develops. A good rule of thumb is to have your tires rotated every other oil change, but if you can’t remember when your tires were last rotated, book an appointment to ensure maximum handling, traction and stopping power. Replace Aging Tires As tires age, the rubber becomes harder and brittle, increasing the risk of failure on the road. Typically, experts recommend replacing any tire that’s more than 6 years old. To check the age of your tires, look for the DOT number stamped on its sidewall. If you need assistance finding new tires, Discount Tire’s online tire recommendation tool, Treadwell, combines millions of data points from tire safety checks and independent testing on tires from all major manufacturers. The tool can help you find tires suited for your vehicle, where you drive and your typical driving habits. Check Pressure Often Low tire pressure can lead to poor handling, lower gas mileage and excessive wear. At least once a month – especially before longer trips – when your tires are cool, check the air pressure to ensure it meets the manufacturer’s recommendations, which can be found in your owner’s manual or on a sticker in your vehicle’s driver side door jamb. Beware of the impact bumps and temperature changes have on air pressure. Ensure Adequate Tread Tread depth, or the amount of tread on a tire, helps determine a vehicle’s safe stopping distance. Tires are typically reaching the end of their life at 4/32 of an inch of tread. You can check it by sticking a penny upside-down in a tread groove; it’s time to replace if President Lincoln’s head is visible. Or visit your local Discount Tire store to have a technician check your tread for free. Ensure Tires are Aligned Wheel alignments adjust the direction your tires point to prevent irregular wear and improve steering. It may be time to have your alignment checked if you notice steering wheel vibration, uneven tread wear, your vehicle pulling sideways or an off-center steering wheel while driving straight. Understand Emergency Equipment Many newer vehicles now come with tire inflation kits that include puncture-coating sealants and air compressors, or even run-flat tires, instead of a spare. Check what your vehicle is equipped with ahead of taking a trip and consider a roadside assistance plan, which can help with flat repairs and replacements in times of need. Look Beyond Your Tires In addition to tires, summer provides an opportunity to look at other features of your car that need periodic replacement like rims, windshield wiper blades, lightbulbs and more. For example, windshield wiper blades should be replaced annually, or earlier if heavy streaking occurs. To locate a neighborhood tire store near you, save on in-store wait times on service appointments or shop for wheels and tires, visit DiscountTire.com.   Photo courtesy of Shutterstock   collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures SOURCE: Discount Tire

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