Kings Markets still looking

[Rail Paul]

Marks & spencer has announced the proposed deal by D'Agostino's to purchase Kings has fallent thru. M&S will continue to explore its options, which could include deals with Gristede's and DiGiorgio's both of which have been serious options in the past.

The M&S statement expresses concern about reaching a suitable financing arrangement in the present environment. I can't imagine the continuing decline of Kings service and appearance (if my experiences in West Caldwell and Bedminster are typical) or the newly expanded presence of Wegmans will make selling the chain any easier.

[NJ2FLA]

I used to work at King's in Verona when I was a weee bit younger. Well about 15 years ago. Management was strict, the store was clean. It's not the same any longer.

[Rail Paul]

I used to work at King's in Verona when I was a weee bit younger.  Well about 15 years ago.  Management was strict, the store was clean.  It's not the same any longer.

Alan Bildner was known to show up any time, any place. The stores were clean, baggers at all registers, cart boys to load bags into cars. If you had a question, you were walked to the specific item, and it was handed to you.

High touch, quality service...

[erie1]

I occasionally shop the Kings in Whitehouse. ShopRite in Branchburg is a much beter experience. Kings is weak out here in Somerset-Hunterdon.

[NJ2FLA]

Ah I do fondly remember those days of being a cart boy. Hated when it rained and snowed. It was fun when your friends would show up and hang out with you. I don't think the later is happily approved by the management - but hey.

You would also get tips for the carry out. Of course you are supposed to say no, but wouldn't want to dare offend a customer

[Rail Paul]

The Ledger had a brief note this morning that the Gristede's proposed purchase has fallen thru. D'Agostino's also looked over the goods, and passed on the deal.

The paper speculates a management buyout may be the only option left. (The paper doesn't mention this, but the decline in the dollar relative to the UK pound means that the store is worth much less to the British owners now than a year ago even if they could get their asking price, which is unlikely.)