33 replies to this topic

[Gary H]

Looks like Safeway in Canada was just bought by Soebeys. Are they buying up everything?

http://finance.yahoo...-213453178.html

[VicHockeyFan]

Hmmmm, subject to regulatory approval.

I wonder what percentage of Western Canada business they already have.

It won't be good for consumer prices here in Victoria, I'd think. But we are but a blip.

[D.L.]

There are two Safeways here?

[Gary H]

I count three plus the one in Sydney.

[VicHockeyFan]

Tillicum Mall, University Heights, Fort/Foul Bay, Sidney...

[Gary H]

Hmmmm, subject to regulatory approval.

I wonder what percentage of Western Canada business they already have.

It won't be good for consumer prices here in Victoria, I'd think. But we are but a blip.

Apparently, Safeway was considered a "prize" acquisition and the number one player, Loblaw, was also interested. Regulatory approval may have been difficult if they were the purchaser. As number two, the Sobeys acquisition of Safeway will probably be viewed in a positive competitive light.

More interesting is the speculation that the losing bidders will now be out to acquire Overwaitea (owners of Save-On Foods among others). It is also interesting that Target is mentioned as a competitor, given their poor store launch here. Even juicier is that Sobeys is the food supplier to Target. What an industry!

http://business.fina...or-5-8-billion/

[Baro]

I'm really looking forward for everything owned by 1-2 companies, will make choices so much easier and companies won't have to waste resources on the whole "competition" thing and they'll passing the savings onto us!

[VicHockeyFan]

I'm really looking forward for everything owned by 1-2 companies, will make choices so much easier and companies won't have to waste resources on the whole "competition" thing and they'll passing the savings onto us!

Exactly, me too. For example, the cell-phone companies spend so much on advertising, naming sports arenas/stadiums etc., imagine how low our bills will be when it's all Telus.

[VicHockeyFan]

For those not up to speed, esp. after the Marina/Songhees posts.

[Bingo]

Thrifty Foods, Safeways, Target

Compliments?

So be...it

[sdwright.vic]

For those not up to speed, esp. after the Marina/Songhees posts.

Love it!

[sdwright.vic]

Well at least we have QF moving into the market for "competition".

Hasn't Sobey's done enough damage after their purchase of Thrifty's?

[manuel]

Well at least we have QF moving into the market for "competition".

Hasn't Sobey's done enough damage after their purchase of Thrifty's?

How can they do damage to Safeway? It isn't like Safeway is what Thrifty's was...

[VicBooster]

Quality Foods is owned by Overwaitea I think.

Red Barn is starting to lose its shine and is more of a novelty than an alternative. A year ago groceries at our local chain were priced well below the big provincial or national players. Maybe prices caught up to Red Barn or the owners just decided that they have no real incentive not to raise prices now that the brand has a following.

[gumgum]

Thrifty's has really gone down hill since the purchase. The meat has suffered the most.

[sdwright.vic]

How can they do damage to Safeway? It isn't like Safeway is what Thrifty's was...

So are you trying to say they will make Safeway better. The point of my comment had nothing to do with how good Safeway is or was but what they did to Thrifty's to make it worse then Safeway (ie- enough damage)

[sdwright.vic]

Quality Foods is owned by Overwaitea I think.

I even used italics, an underline and the little quotey things to show sarcasm to the word competition and it still didn't work! {sigh}

[manuel]

So are you trying to say they will make Safeway better. The point of my comment had nothing to do with how good Safeway is or was but what they did to Thrifty's to make it worse then Safeway (ie- enough damage)

My comment was not that they'll make Safeway better, but that Thrifty's was better than safeway before sobeys bought it and has gone downhill

[UDeMan]

this will push more people to shop at Oxford foods for competitive prices.

[sdwright.vic]

Nothing could ever make me go to Oxford Foods! NO sarcasm!!!!!