we must determine if this grocery merger would unlawfully harm our state’s consumers, workers, farmers or suppliers.
In communities throughout Colorado, these grocery stores compete head-to-head for the same customers. And, in some rural communities, customers must drive an hour or more to buy their groceries. In Gunnison, for example, where consumers travel from as far as Lake City to buy groceries, there are only two options for fresh milk, fruits and vegetables, or meat — the local City Market or Safeway.
For workers, if this proposed merger results in stores closing, that means job losses and lower wages. For those already struggling to make ends meet, the prospects of unemployment or facing cuts to their pension is alarming. We are committed to hearing out and carefully evaluating the questions raised by grocery workers.