As Kroger defended its potential Albertsons merger in federal court last month, some unflattering text messages came to light about Tops Markets, sent by an executive at Tops supplier C&S Wholesale Grocers.

Here’s what happened. Kroger needs to sell off nearly 600 stores to a strong competitor to allay any worries about any potential monopolies. C&S is supposed to be that strong contender. But Federal Trade Commission regulators, who sued to put an end to the merger, suggests that C&S isn’t a strong or experienced enough company to take on all the stores.

In the process of hearings to determine C&S’ fitness, text messages were brought up between C&S Senior Vice President Alona Florenz and a colleague, who seemed to mock Tops stores at a time when the company was acquiring some of them as a part of the merger between Tops and Price Chopper, which happened in 2021.

“Right now, I think we should buy all the Tops stores LOL,” Florenz wrote. “If we do, they are happy and you can spend a year finding other buyers.”

“There are no buyers – they are all dogs,” the colleague replied.

Tops was not thrilled to hear it.

“While we are not pleased with the manner in which the texts describe those stores, we are confident our longstanding partnership with C&S will allow us to move past this issue and focus on our daily promise of serving our communities and providing our customers with value, affordability, and the best possible shopping experience,” said Kathy Sautter, a Tops spokesperson.

C&S operates the stores under the Piggly Wiggly and Grand Union banners.

“Tops Markets has been in contact with C&S regarding the reported text message exchange between two of their employees during negotiations for the purchase of 12 stores that we were required to divest as part of the merger between Tops and Price Chopper/Market 32,” Sautter said. “We ultimately agreed on terms and C&S purchased the 12 stores, which they continue to operate.”

C&S said the texts were “taken out of context.”

“C&S has had a longstanding and well-respected relationship with Tops Markets and Price Chopper/Market 32,” said Eric Winn, CEO at C&S. “The text message in reference was taken out of context, but the fact remains that it was a poor choice of words and does not represent the thoughts of myself or the thousands of team members who work very hard each day to support the success of Tops Markets and Price Chopper/Market 32.”

Goodwill is bringing outlet store to WNY

Goodwill of Western New York will open an Outlet Store at 4255 McKinley Parkway in Hamburg in a former Walmart store. The building will also serve as Goodwill’s primary warehouse to support its future expansion.

This type of Goodwill store is commonly called a “bin store” and will sell items at a “per the pound” rate. Until now, the nearest Goodwill Outlet Store has been located in Rochester, and has been a hit on social media, with consumers posting their finds.

“The interest in thrift shopping is growing quickly and Goodwill is responding just as fast to meet the demand,” said Jeffrey P. Bell, a Goodwill spokesperson.

The store is expected to open by the end of the year. Another three new Goodwill stores are planned for Chautauqua, Allegany and Cattaraugus counties.

3 licensed cannabis dispensaries open

Western New York has three new state-licensed cannabis dispensaries. Ether Cannabis has opened at 5100 Genesee St. in Cheektowaga, Leaf Plug has opened at 3341 Sheridan Drive in Amherst and Lifted has opened at 320 North Main St. in Jamestown.

Six Flags Darien Lake hiring for fall events

Six Flags Darien Lake is on a hiring blitz to staff its autumn events, which include the family-friendly Boo Fest and its Halloween event, Fright Fest, which includes haunted houses, rides in the dark and free Scare Zones.

The amusement park is looking for 400 workers who can fill roles such as scare actors, makeup artists, greeters, entertainment technicians and ride operators.

The park will hold open auditions and interviews from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday at the Six Flags Darien Lake Human Resources building, 1501 Sumner Road in Corfu. Applicants should bring their Social Security card and a current photo identification with proof of age or a school identification with a birth certificate. They should also apply at careers.sixflags.com. For more information, call 1-585-599-5108.