Worried About Smith’s, Albertsons Merger? Nevada AG Is All Ears

Author Shawn Tempesta

August 23rd, 2023 6:43 AM

If you're feeling the pinch at the checkout, you may want to listen up.

Hey, lets go down the street to Fresh & Easy and grab some ingredients for dinner tonight. Ooh, Vons has a better deal, let’s go there! These are sentences you used to be able to say. But while some grocery stores went away (Fresh & Easy) others merged (Vons and Albertsons). Now a pending merger between Albertsons and Smith’s parent company Kroger is raising eyebrows with Nevada’s lead attorney.

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford is holding listening sessions with concerned citizens and asking for online opinions before deciding how to approach the merger. So far over half a dozen states Attorneys General have banded together to ask the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to put the kibosh on the merger. Nevada is weighing out doing the same.

The first session took place Tuesday at Las Vegas City Hall. Future sessions include:

Boulder City – Tuesday, August 29th at 11am at Boulder City Council Chamber
Pahrump – Thursday, August 31st at 11am at Pahrump/Tonapah Board Of County Commission Chambers
Henderson – Wednesday, September 13th at 10am at Henderson City Council
North Las Vegas – Wednesday, September 13th at 1pm at North Las Vegas City Hall

What is so bad about a Smith’s and Albertsons merger?

You’ve heard the word “merger” about a million times, so what’s so wrong about this one? It all has to do with market concentration. If you have only one broadband internet provider, you know you are paying more on your bill than areas with two or more options. Grocery bills have the potential of heading in the wrong direction with fewer players making competitors, you know, compete.

While the merger wouldn’t reach the legal definition of a “monopoly,” it would be close to one in Southern Nevada. Other players nationwide like Stop & Shop, Wegman’s and Food Lion do not do business in the area. The merger would absolutely result in certain store locations being spun off or shuttered in the valley. While an outside grocery store could come in and buy locations that the new company can no longer run, there would need to be infrastructure to do it. Nevada is land-locked and the chances of another grocer entering the market and starting new infrastructure from scratch are not incredibly high. Probably why the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 711 President is against the merger.

If you have a strong opinion one way or another, speak up at an event or in the online survey.

Shawn Tempesta is the co-host of Aimee+Shawn on 102.7 VGS in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is also an Emmy award nominated television host. As a content creator for 102.7 VGS, Shawn writes about current events, education, funny and trending stories.

9 Grocery Store Wines Under $20: Taste These

Hey Aimee here, your winos mom who loves to sip and save! I wasn’t always so versed in wine (and by versed I mean I drink a lot of it) but in my past life, I was a bartender.

I worked at T-Bones Chophouse inside Red Rock Casino for 10 years. While I was working in such a great restaurant I was able to taste and learn about so many great wines. I was never a fan of wine until I started learning about it. I started with whites and moved to reds and now enjoy them all.

Yes, some were pricey but they don’t always have to be to taste really really good.

Remember, not everything you have heard about wine is necessarily true. Here are some helpful tips to remember next time you’re shopping!

You may have heard that the older the wine the better it is. That isn’t always true.
Most wine sold in the grocery store or even a Total Wine or Lee’s Discount is meant to be enjoyed immediately.
You may have heard that the more expensive the wine is the better it will taste. I totally disagree that that and I would bet that a lot of wine enthusiasts would say the same.
Have you heard that if the wine is a twist top it’s cheap or bad? That isn’t true. The twist top actually is more airtight therefore, less chance of your vino being bad when you open it.

Pro tip: Wine doesn’t last long once it’s open so drink the bottle, that’s what I always say! HA

I ran to Albertons and snapped pictures of my favorite wines to get under $20. Tis’ the season for holiday parties, dinners, and gifts. Grab a couple of these for yourself, and grab a couple as gifts as well. Now before you scroll I am a red wine drinker in the winter and a white wine drinker in the summer. I hope you enjoy.

Happy Holidays & Cheers!

Listen to Aimee+Shawn weekday mornings from 6-10 on 102.7 VGS

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Menage a Trois - Red Blend

Price: $12.99

This is one of my favorite wines to drink at home. It’s easy to sip and it’s well under $20.
Freakshow - Cab

Price: $19.99

I’m going to be honest… I normally pick wine because of their labels and luckily this was a win-win. The label is very theatrical and the wine is so smooth.
Beringer Bros. Bourbon Barrel - Blend

Price: $15.99

This one is strong because of the bourbon barrel aging but it has so much flavor! I know this can be a turnoff but don’t let the bourbon scare you. Don’t worry, it doesn’t taste like Jack.
Meiomi - Cab

Price: $22.00

I know the title says under $20 and most times you can purchase this wine on sale for under $20… but even at $22 this is one of my TOP 5 wines.
Uppercut - Cab

Price: $14.99

I’ve only had this a couple times and I would drink it again. If you need a wine for a get together or party… THIS should be your wine of choice.
Robert Mondavi - Merlot

Price: $8.99

This is probably my favorite wine under $10. I’m normally not a Merlot fan but this one is super smooth and the cab in this brand is just as good.
Nadia - Pinot Noir

Price: $11.99

A Pino is going to be the lightest of the red wines. It’s also fruitier. If you are new to wine, start with a Pinot. The taste is rich and the label makes you feel bougie.
Josh - Pinot Noir

Price: $17.99

Funny story… My girlfriend’s husband’s name is Josh (you know where this is going) so I had to try it to tell him if the wine was good or not. And the verdict is… It was great tasting! This wine has a great cab and I love it.
Cannonball - Cab

Price: $16.99

Someone bought this wine for me when I was camping once because it was a twist top… Yet did they know that I carry a wine key with me everywhere I go. The wine has great complexity and balance.