BEST OF 2015
SUPERMARKET SWEEPS It was a tumultuous year for the supermarket industry , with major names consolidating and changing of hands . In the UK , traditional supermarkets like Tesco and Asda saw hardships this year as they raced to undercut prices and stay competitive with discount chains like Aldi . Meanwhile in the United States , after years of struggle to turn a profit and a change of ownership when original parent company Tesco pulled out , Fresh & Easy succumbed to low sales and announced plans to close down completely .
Albertsons was successful in its acquisition of Safeway , and it seemed like Pacific Northwest-based grocery chain Haggen was poised to benefit significantly , expanding from just 16 locations to more than 100 as it took over a large portion of Albertsons and Safeway divestitures . But the chain had difficulty adapting to its new markets , hampered by pricing mistakes and stock issues . The issue ultimately culminated with Haggen filing for bankruptcy protection , pulling out of all but its original 16 stores , and suing Albertsons for undermining its efforts .
8 December 2015