Big Grocers Put Some Stores on the Block

Cincinnati, Kroger Co. is looking for a buyer for Northern California Ralphs stores, according to a report in the Sacramento Bee newspaper. The stores in the northern part of the state reportedly have been less successful than in Southern California, the chain’s stronghold. Ralphs officials were unavailable for comment.

The possible Kroger activity comes amid reports that Albertson’s is back in discussions to sell some of its stores. The company reportedly reached out to Stater Bros. to buy some of its stores. Albertson’s is restarting talks with some of the investors who were previously in talks for a $9.6 billion deal to take the Boise, Idaho-based grocer private. The deal never materialized.