Shoppers are relieved as a court blocks the Kroger-Albertsons merger in Washington state

STATE OF WASHINGTON – In the immediate aftermath of the stalled Kroger-Albertsons merger in Washington state, KOMO News spoke to shoppers outside the QFC at Seattle’s Mercer Street and 5th Avenue.

Most people didn’t know about the ruling, but were very familiar with the planned merger. While some people, including some posting on social media, were disappointed with the court’s decision, the overwhelming majority were relieved.

“I think it’s much better for buyers to have more choices that this ruling provides,” said Will Blades of Seattle. He said his wife works for a nonprofit that works to feed hungry people.

Blades believes greed is behind the merger and echoed Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s fears of a “megamonopoly.”

RELATED: Planned Kroger-Albertsons merger halted by federal and state judges

The AG’s office said the proposed merger was illegal and violated Washington’s antitrust laws. One explanation reads in part:

Today’s decision means the merger cannot go ahead. Kroger and Albertsons are the two largest supermarket chains in Washington and the second and fourth largest supermarket operators in the country. More than half of all supermarkets in Washington state are currently owned by either Kroger or Albertsons, and they account for more than 50% of all supermarket sales in the state. Albertsons owns Safeway and Haggen, while Kroger owns QFC and Fred Meyer.

The state insisted the judge’s decision protected Washingtonians struggling with high food prices and the workers whose jobs were at stake.

“This is an important victory for affordability, worker protections and the rule of law,” said a press release from the attorney general’s office.

“It would just be that a lot of people would get hurt,” Blades said. The union representing grocery store workers in the area said it opposed the merger from day one, arguing that it would be better for customers and workers if no merger took place.

“We actually believe that the merger posed a much greater risk of business closures than blocking the merger,” said Faye Guenther, the president of the UFWC 3000.

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“It’s monumental. It’s a really good thing for workers, a really good thing for consumers. The judge looked at all the facts and we are very happy with this decision. And that Kroger should stop spending money to further develop this merger and invest in the stores,” said Günther.

Asked what she would say to her members about Tuesday’s ruling: “We’re going to celebrate. This is a victory for workers. This is a victory for consumers. It’s a victory for all of us. “It’s a victory for the people.” And that’s why we’re very, very happy about it,” Günther continued.