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Haggen Leaves California: A Supermarket "Unsuccess" Story
If you've never heard of Haggen Grocery stores, it could be the lack of advertising, which combined with increased prices to force Haggen into bankruptcy right after it bought up 83 supermarkets in California early this year. The bungled expansion plan means big trouble for thousands workers in a hyper-competitive market.
By Warren Olney • • 24m ListenIf you've never heard of Haggen Grocery stores, it could be the lack of advertising, which combined with increased prices to force Haggen into bankruptcy right after it bought up 83 supermarkets in California early this year. The bungled expansion plan means big trouble for thousands workers in a hyper-competitive market.
Also, when House Speaker John Boehner steps down next month, the likely successor is Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield, who said today that he wants the job. Are his positions on climate change, high-speed rail and immigration conservative enough for the GOP caucus?
In this episode
2 storiesWhat a "Speaker" McCarthy Would Mean for California
Republican Congressman Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield made it official today. He wants the Speakership, when John Boehner gives up the job at the end of next month. McCarthy said today he wants to "lead the fight" for conservatism and heal the deep divisions in the Republican caucus. Noah Bierman covers Capitol Hill for the LA Times .
Read the story7 minThe Final Check-Out for an Ambitious Grocery Chain
Early this year, a grocery chain with just 18 stores in Washington and Oregon bought up 146 supermarkets in five other states , including 83 in California. Just nine months later, Haggen has declared bankruptcy , and announced plans to close all its California stores , and laid off 2000 workers -- with another 6000 jobs on the line.
Read the story16 min
