Kroger to sell some Harris Teeter stores ahead of merger
Harris Teeter’s parent company, the Kroger Co., announced it will be selling 10 of its stores in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., to C&S Wholesale Grocers, part of a larger divestiture sale ahead of its planned merger with the Idaho-based Albertsons Companies Inc.
Kroger has not identified which Harris Teeters located in Maryland are slated to be sold to C&S, the parent company of Piggly Wiggly and Grand Union. However, Kroger said in a press release that the plan ensures no stores will close, and all associates will remain employed. There are 18 Harris Teeters in Maryland, five of them in the Baltimore area.
Additionally, all existing collective bargaining agreements will continue, and associates will continue to receive health care and pension benefits alongside bargained-for wages.
“We look forward to welcoming thousands of new associates to the C&S family and providing them the opportunity to build long and successful careers,” said Eric Winn, chief operating officer for the Keene, New Hampshire-based C&S in a press release. “As a leader in the grocery industry, we have a strong heritage of value and customer service that is enabled by a deep commitment to our consumers, employees and communities.”
Kroger’s divestiture sale to C&S includes 413 stores, eight distribution centers, two offices and five private label brands across 17 states along with the QFC, Mariano’s and Carrs brand names. All fuel centers and pharmacies associated with the sold stores will remain with the stores and continue to operate. Currently, the merger remains on track to close in early 2024.