I was in the NW. Kroger bought out Fred Meyer. Back in the days, Fred Meyer was excellent. Kroger, no one wants to shop there even way back then. Even their own employees were trashing them.

Interesting that you say that. Publix has recently opened a store, and building a couple more around Louisville. Their prices are about 25% higher than the other local stores. Also, it could be the neighborhood that they chose, but the clientele is the most obnoxious group that you’ll ever meet. Like the Whole Foods crowd, but SUVs instead of Prius. I’ve shopped at Publix further south and thought they were great. Of course, if you’re traveling, anything nicer than a Pilot is a winner.

We don’t have a lot of options for bigger grocery stores. Kroger, Walmart Aldi. I shop aldi mostly because they have better prices and healthy options but try to shop local small stores when I can. Kroger is high and woke as hell and Walmart…..I’d rather take a punch to the face then step into that place.

I wouldn't necessarily say folding. Around us, they are opening three 37+M$ "Marketplace" stores. One is open, and the second is under construction. Very nice stores, I in all fairness must say. When it all plays out, the 60 closings will probably some of their older, dumpy stores from the '60's and '70's, and ones that are non profitable. Then we will start hearing the BMW'ing about "Food Deserts." And, no, I'm not defending Kroger. I find shopping @ Kroger about as enjoyable as a gasoline enema.