Connecticut Investigates Stop & Shop
By George Anderson
The Attorney General’s Office of Connecticut is investigating Stop & Shop for alleged “restraint of trade”.
Richard Blumenthal, attorney general for the state of Connecticut told The New Haven Register that Stop & Shop (a division of Ahold) has been accused of leasing property for the purpose of keeping competitors out.
Mr. Blumenthal said, “We are investigating whether there have been anti-competitive practices to exclude other supermarkets that might offer consumers choices and lower prices and better services.”
In one case, Stop & Shop leased a former Waldbaum’s site in North Haven, Conn. more than two years ago without occupying it. The site, according to the report, has been vacant for four years.
North Haven Town Attorney Robert Ciulla says the lease agreement prohibits use of the site for any purpose except as directed by Stop & Shop.
Moderator’s Comment: Is the practice of purchasing/leasing
property to keep competitors out common in retailing? Should it be cause for
legal action?
“Location, location, location.” [George
Anderson – Moderator]