Are Farmer Jack and Foodtown in Trouble?
By George Anderson
An article in the Toledo Blade says that local Farmer Jack (A&P), Foodtown (Spartan Stores), or both could be sold or closed this year.
“Some analysts have suggested that A&P will have to sell or close the 109-store chain in Ohio and Michigan to stem the red ink,” according to the report. A Farmer Jack spokesperson did not return calls to comment on the subject.
Spartan recently announced that is was exploring its options for the Food Town stores.
Moderator’s Comment: What do you believe is likely
to happen with the Spartan/Foodtown and A&P/Farmer Jack stores?
It seems odd that the Seaway Foodtown deal went from being
a major plus for the company to something easily disposed of in such a short
period of time.
We remember back in 2000 when the deal was closed wondering
why Spartan Stores had (seemingly) decided to emphasize its retail operations
over its perceived core competency of retailing. [George
Anderson – Moderator]