Fear & Loading: Anti-Gun Kroger Layoffs

by
posted on October 16, 2019
kroeger_layoffs.jpg

Publicly traded Kroger Company—which counts among its major subsidiaries Kroger grocery stores, Harris Teeter, Ralphs and the Fred Meyer chain that exited the gun and ammunition business last year—is laying off hundreds of employees, according to CNBC and Supermarket News. The firm operates 2,759 stores in 35 states and the District of Columbia, including nearly 800 convenience shops in 18 states. The corporation employs more than 440,000 people.

The company’s Fred Meyers chain caught the attention of Second Amendment supporters in 2018 when it stopped selling firearms and ammunition in its stores. The entire Kroger family of businesses pulled periodicals that feature modern sporting rifles from their shelves later the same year. Last month it went a step further by enacting a no-open-carry policy in its stores, regardless of legality. “Kroger has demonstrated with our actions that we recognize the growing chorus of Americans who are no longer comfortable with the status quo and who are advocating for concrete and common sense gun reforms,” Kroger Group Vice President of Corporate Affairs Jessica Adelman wrote in an announcement e-mailed to CNBC.  

An official statement explains this month’s layoffs. “Store operating divisions are constantly evolving to ensure they build the teams and leaders who will deliver an amazing experience for customers and associates both now and in the future. As part of ongoing talent management, many store operating divisions are evaluating middle-management roles and team structures with an eye toward keeping resources close to the customer.” The announcement came only a week after a boycott of Oregon and southwest Washington Fred Meyer stores ended with officials from Fred Meyer, Albertsons, QFC and Safeway—all part of the Kroger group—reaching an agreement with the United Food and Retail Clerks Union on a new, 3-year labor contract.

Two weeks before news of the staff reduction surfaced, Kroger’s second-quarterly report for 2019 indicated sales grew by 0.5 percent when compared to the same period in 2018.  For the first half of its 2019 reporting year, overall sales were down by 0.5 percent.

Latest

Handloading Main Web
Handloading Main Web

5 Simple Ways To Streamline Your Handloading Process

Consider adding these five simple efficiencies to your ammo-loading routine for more time to do the other things you love, such as punching bullseyes.

New Ammo For 2025

Without ammunition, what good are new guns? So, here are a few new ammo products to look out for in 2025...

Shell Shock’s Innovative 7.62 NATO Cartridge Case Passes Rigid Military Test

The Shell Shock Technologies 7.62 NATO Nickel-Alloy Shell (NAS3) cartridge cases have successfully completed rigorous testing at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1841 Mississippi Rifle

Of all the U.S. military arms of the mid-19th century, one of the most interesting, effective and well-built was the Model 1841 rifle, often called simply the "Mississippi rifle."

New For 2025: Springfield Armory 2020 Heatseeker

A new Model 2020 rifle from Springfield Armory, the Heatseeker, will come wrapped in an aluminum Coyote Brown-colored chassis from Sharps Brothers featuring M-Lok modularity and more.

I Have This Old Gun: Forehand & Wadsworth British Bull-Dog

Many eagle-eyed NRA members viewing the 1993 Western “Tombstone” no doubt recognized the Forehand & Wadsworth British Bull-Dog so deftly welded by actress Joanna Pacula, portraying Big Nose Kate, during a contemptuous card game between Doc Holliday and Ed Bailey.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.