Sobeys lays down the law to suppliers

STELLARTON, N.S. — With its acquisition of Safeway’s Western-based Canadian stores in the bag, Sobeys is doubling down on consolidation efforts, demanding that its suppliers reduce their prices by 1% retroactive to November. At the same time, the company made it known that it would not accept any price increases for most merchandise during 2014. The move reflects the crunch which grocers are feeling in a busy competitive market, and may inspire other players in the industry to follow suit, says Report on Business in The Globe and Mail.