On Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:09:30 GMT, notbob > wrote:

>Read an article in Time magazine about Aldi's, the Mid-West discount grocer.
>The article claimed "...many are leaving upscale grocers like Whole Foods
>and Albertson's..." ???? Say what?
>
>Since when is Albertson's upscale? It's not even as upscale as Safeway, who
>is trying to reinvent itself into the upscale market, with the usual absurd
>prices to match. In fact,, Alberston's was the cheapest market in our area,
>with the lowest prices, best sales, etc. Medium selection, pricey produce,
>but great prices, everall. Being on a budget and a fanatical price watcher, I
>shopped Alberstson's 95% of the time.
>
>It appears the author of the Time piece has never done any serious shopping.
>
>nb

I think it depends on the region. Albertsons owned Jewel here in
Chicago from 1999 until 2006. The stores kept the Jewel name. They
were overpriced and produce was/is terrible but they currently have
45% market share here followed by Safeway (dominicks) with 15%. I
rarely shop there because I like the more ethnic oriented places but
to most yuppies they would be considered upscale second only to whole
foods. Jewel is now owned by supervalu and still sucks. (IMO) It
looks like Albertsons has a few stores here now but most are just
pharmacy.

Lou