Due to City Councils legislating 4$ pay raises for " hero grocery employees" so far Food for Less and Ralph's are closing 2 stores in Long Beach, CA. LA County is doing the same thing. Dont get me wrong. I'm not saying they don't deserve pay raises. Only pointing out the Grocery Stores have a lot of so called underperforming stores. Their words not mine and this could cause huge problems if they carry the closings too far.
ECON Report food and grocery price increases/shortages here: 2021 Edition
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coalcracker
Veteran Member
At some point we will all be assigned pick-up times to go to our local food distribution centers to pick up our rationed goods for the month.
We’re not there yet, but that’s where it’s headed. That’s the plan, comrade.
We’re not there yet, but that’s where it’s headed. That’s the plan, comrade.
Roadgeek
Contributing Member
Kroger's is a business. The closed stores, which were minimally profitable at best, went into the red with the mandated wage hikes. I'd shut them down if I ran Kroger's. Kroger's first duty is to their shareholders, not the city of Long Beach. Not a matter of carrying the closings "too far"; it's a case of maximizing profit, which keeps the stores open in the first place.
Somehow everything I say gets misconstrued. I thought I was on a food prepping thread. And a food shortage thread.
I put this info up because if these corporations carry the closings too far it could cause major shortages. Personally I don't give a rats ass. I could get by till Kingdom come on my food storage.
greysage
On The Level
In the course of one year I went from loving my local regional chain grocery store tremendously, to dreading going inside. It was pleasant to shop, customer service was outstanding. Now I feel like I'm trespassing when I go in to shop and that the employees despise me. Especially if I don't use self check out and don't bring my own bags.
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Hfcomms
EN66iq
Definitely noticing pricing increases across the board along with specific gaps in shelving. Also noticing the quality of the produce going way down. Every time I get onions I am finding ones that are rotting, apples with soft spots and an overall lowering of quality and selection.
NoDandy
Has No Life - Lives on TB
One would think that from a logical viewpoint, the employees would be happy that you prefer a employee check out, rather than the self check out. Employees that do not, are probably kommie krat's !!!
I am not shopping personally but I understand what you are saying. This Covid virus, scam whatever you want to call it is the final nail in the coffin of our way of life in more ways than one. I remember 20 years ago going to the store was fun. Chatting to our favorite checker, chatting with the others in line. Looking for a tall person to access something on the top shelf. Getting the store gossip from the butcher who knew all the dirt. Bye bye Miss American pie. Joe and the Ho can't destroy our way of life. Its been gone for awhile.
What part of the country are you in? Produce has been pretty good here in S, CA desert. Leaf lettuce is about the only thing I have a problem with. I started ordering 2 heads because by the time I take off the bad leaves there is only enough left for 2 salads.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Same for me! I'm very short, too, 5 ft. Cary can reach things I can't. Plus, sometimes, I need him to push the second shopping cart. We only shop twice a month, and it takes two carts most of the time for groceries. We buy a lot of bulk items.
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Hfcomms
EN66iq
Upper Peninsula of the mitten State. It’s been a trend for the last several months with the produce.
coloradohermit
Veteran Member
I'm truly grateful that my local small town Kroger is still that way. I compliment each employee that I encounter for how well stocked their area is and I've made a point over time to learn names. I'll chat with the meat mgr about her dogs and with the checkout fellow about his recent knee surgery. I even have brief conversations with the guy who polishes the floor. Maybe I just find it pleasant because I shop early before the crowds have made it an ordeal for the shoppers and the employees.
Anyway, I did do a run there this morning and got everything on my list. Hamburger was on sale so I grabbed a 1 lb roll for backup. I didn't need meat but I did look at prices and most items are way up, like a chuck pot roast at $20! Mom always called chuck roast and corned beef cheap shanty Irish crap, so no way will I pay those outrageous prices. ;-)
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I went shopping a few days ago. I was looking for a few roasts to help fill my freezer. The only roasts of any type I could find were well over $20. I passed them right up. No way I'm gonna pay that for a small roast!
I just buy the roasts now from grass fed family farms. The quality of meat around here sucks.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I wish we could do that. We don't know of anyone in our area that we can buy from. Lots of cattle farmers here, but they don't sell to individuals.
Hickory7
Senior Member
I shop by myself a lot and at 5.3, I love when I see someone like your husband come along. There is a lot I cannot reach.
hiwall
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I understand your reasoning.
But in a free capitalist country (not the USA) if competition is too high then some stores close. If too many close then there is room for some to re-open or new ones to open. On a long graph is is like any natural thing with constant ups and downs but the median remains flat.
Michiana MaJo
Deceased
My small town stores (SW Mich.) are still pleasant to shop at. I have noticed, a few times, that the produce is a little lower than last summer....probably due to the season, I tell myself. The employees are very helpful if I can't reach something on a high shelf....I'm a shortie, too.
I no longer care to buy meat, locally, either.....I have been buying really good quality grass fed beef from a mail order company, tropicaltraditions.com Now, they have. ground beef at half price, although you still have to pay for the shipping which includes dry ice, though the ice isn't needed as much for us who live in the cold areas in winter.
They have special sales on things each week. They ship year around, using dry ice. I've dealt with them for years and highly recommend them...a good company. They also specialize in different pure coconut oils, too, along with a great many other items.
They sell their beef that are from Galloway cattle...the company tells how they are special cattle.
I no longer care to buy meat, locally, either.....I have been buying really good quality grass fed beef from a mail order company, tropicaltraditions.com Now, they have. ground beef at half price, although you still have to pay for the shipping which includes dry ice, though the ice isn't needed as much for us who live in the cold areas in winter.
They have special sales on things each week. They ship year around, using dry ice. I've dealt with them for years and highly recommend them...a good company. They also specialize in different pure coconut oils, too, along with a great many other items.
They sell their beef that are from Galloway cattle...the company tells how they are special cattle.
We can reach it but after knocking whole piles of stuff off shelves trying I preferred to utilize her husband. Thanks to all the tall people.
amazon
Veteran Member
I agree with HFcomms, produce quality is worsening and not stocked as well. This seems to be worsening. Otherwise, no real gaps at Aldis or WM. Price of meat is higher. I did see a few roasts around $16, small. Passed it up. It'll cook down to about half. Id rather have steak or hamburger. Steak is a splurge these days. Since we're sharing, I am frequently asked to get things from top shelf for people. They seem relieved when I come around the corner. : ) I'm 6'1. DH also 6'1, but he never shops.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I like using nice, lean London Broils for my roasts. The last one I saw was $21. That was a few months ago. I passed on it. Now, I can't even find those anywhere I shop.
parocan
Veteran Member
Was just told by my local bosleys a pet store that the brand of food i feed my dog, taste of the wild, Prarie puppy. A bison, venison mix. May not be avail anymore as they are having supply issues where its made. We went through 8 different types of food before we found 1 she could handle and didn't gas us out of the house. She's allergic to wheat and chicken which is in alot of them.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Been buying all of our doggie treats from Tractor Supply. They are cheaper than anywhere around, and it's all natural. I was absolutely shocked to see the prices a few days ago. What I had been paying $9+ for a bag had gone up to $13. His dog food, too, had gone up in price.
20Gauge
TB Fanatic
Well grocery stores closing is a sign of pending shortages. If you can not buy it, it is a shortage....
20Gauge
TB Fanatic
Wife went shopping today. We do this once every two weeks to that the pantry storage doesn't drop too much.
She learned the $10 box of cat food is now $12. Other things went up also. She didn't give me details. She does buy the same thing every two weeks with a little variation. Over all she is spending about $30 ish more than she was earlier in the year.
Our budget is $250 once every two weeks.
Prices are starting to jump. There are also increasing shortages.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I've already had to increase my budget for groceries which means I had to cut spending somewhere else. It's getting harder to do.
20Gauge
TB Fanatic
We had some slack now that there is no ammo available.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
So I went to walmart.com to order paper plates. I like the medium ones like Dixie, but the walmart brand. The don't have either one in the large packages. I looked on the river and they have the dixie but the prices are way high.
good thing I already have a good supply, I need to open a package and wanted to replace it with the same large package. Not happening right now. but then again I have a supply, why because I keep a full pantry.
God is good all the time
Judy
good thing I already have a good supply, I need to open a package and wanted to replace it with the same large package. Not happening right now. but then again I have a supply, why because I keep a full pantry.
God is good all the time
Judy
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I keep a good supply of paper plates. When I open a new package, I replace with a new package. I like the Chinet brand. I'm not seeing them anywhere, though. Been looking for quite awhile now.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
I get the great value brand because I'm boycotting the Dixie brand. Don't ask me why though, because I can't remember.
God is good all the time
Judy
Barry Natchitoches
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Judy,
Do you have a Dollar General nearby?
They sell a wide range of paper plates, cups and bowls for less than WalMart - and they are more readily available, too. I have found a large supply at my local Dollar General at times during this past year when WalMart was completely out.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
Thanks for the suggestion, however, I done price comparasions for dollar stores and the kind and size that I buy at walmart. My choices work out better for me.
Its always nice to see response from you Barry. I do pray for you and your family.
God is good all the time
Judy
Hit our small local grocery today. The first Saturday of the month, they do 'produce paks' for $15. I get 2 and it lasts DH and I all month. I do end up drying or freezedrying some, but there's usually not much waste. The produce packs this month had:
2 naval oranges
1 lemon
2 ambrosia apples
1 head of cabbage
1 green pepper
1 lb baby carrots
1 cucumber
2 avocados
1 bunch green onions
12 ounces of garden salad
5 lbs russet potatoes
3 bananas
The store was pretty well stocked, except spices were a little low.
2 naval oranges
1 lemon
2 ambrosia apples
1 head of cabbage
1 green pepper
1 lb baby carrots
1 cucumber
2 avocados
1 bunch green onions
12 ounces of garden salad
5 lbs russet potatoes
3 bananas
The store was pretty well stocked, except spices were a little low.
psychgirl
Has No Life - Lives on TB
That’s a pretty good deal! I’d do that too!
greysage
On The Level
So your supporting Wal Mart to boycott Dixie?
greysage
On The Level
Maybe I spoke too soon. Not sure what changed. Did the multi-mile walk to my regional chain grocery store yesterday. Lotsa slush and snow to walk through. Sun was out. Felt good.
Was only getting a few items, dairy products, bread, sausage. Mind you I wore a full mask, like swat style, green. Near the milk, I look up and around trying to remember where I want to go next. Woman stocking asks if I need help finding something. Nope, just remembering where I need to go next thanks.
Going down the aisle a young man stocking sees and gives a nod. Hey man how are you? Good. Thank you. He says.
At check out the woman was polite and helpful as can be. Wondering if it was my back pack and boots? Maybe I looked like a drifter. I don't know. But they all seemed in a good mood for a Friday afternoon.
I think the milk went down in price too.
Was only getting a few items, dairy products, bread, sausage. Mind you I wore a full mask, like swat style, green. Near the milk, I look up and around trying to remember where I want to go next. Woman stocking asks if I need help finding something. Nope, just remembering where I need to go next thanks.
Going down the aisle a young man stocking sees and gives a nod. Hey man how are you? Good. Thank you. He says.
At check out the woman was polite and helpful as can be. Wondering if it was my back pack and boots? Maybe I looked like a drifter. I don't know. But they all seemed in a good mood for a Friday afternoon.
I think the milk went down in price too.
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
The great value ones are made by Dixie.
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