An MNB reader had a comment about Kroger's assertion that it will add a few more local products to its stores if regulators approve its acquisition of Albertsons (though not, apparently, if the deal does not go through):
I’ve never commented but as a small “local” distributor I will say with certainty and hopeful anonymity, that getting paid from Kroger was the most difficult of any large chain. That includes, Walmart, Publix, Piggly Wiggly, Harris Teeter(previous), Whole Foods, even BiLo. To me, the same question remains, why wouldn’t they already be doing it cause at the end of the day they would just be stealing local money and driving up margins. I was lucky enough to have someone in the office that took it upon herself as her mission to “get the money”. She ended up getting in touch with a VP and finally got us paid. Many smaller “local” purveyors or entrepreneurs don’t have the resources and or experience to tackle the AR nightmare that could ensue with Kroger and really any other large chain but Kroger was the worst.
I’ll hopefully never have to do business with them again. I’ll never say never as I’ve eaten my pride a hundred times over. I’ll remain hopeful though.
Last week we took note of an Axios report that "Northwest Arkansas National Airport has a new guest pass system allowing visitors to dine at airport restaurants and wave goodbye to traveling loved ones at the gate … Passes can be obtained at a designated kiosk by scanning your ID — but you still have to go through security."
One MNB reader responded:
I just returned from a trip to Australia and Bali. It is my 3 trip to Australia in the past year. I noticed that when I was in Perth, anyone can go to the gate. No ID is needed, you just have to go through security screening. It was nice to see friends of a girl moving across the country (or perhaps to another county) being able to watch her board the plane and give her big hugs good bye.
I realize that Australia, despite its land size being similar to the USA has 1/10th the population of the US, it was still very refreshing and I felt safe.
When I was in NZ during Women’s World Cup, at the smaller airports (i.e. NOT Auckland or Wellington), they didn’t even have security screening. In fact, all you had to have was a digital boarding pass to board the plane (they don’t even check ID!).
Maybe one day we can revert back to “the way things were” . . .
Got a number of emails responding to Friday's FaceTime explaining my rationale for the previous week's "Business & Life Lessons from Jimmy Buffett" edition.
One MNB reader wrote:
Agree that it is always good to mix up your “pitches."
Not really a Buffet fan but forwarded your recap of Buffet info to a woman who used to work for me – big fan, President of a local Parrot head club.
She was thrilled!
From another MNB reader:
I also am not a Jimmy Buffet fan but do love the business lessons and your tribute. Having been an electric car driver for 9 years now the only thing we would disagree on in general is your stance on Elon Musk.
P.S. Next time you're in Toronto please try to hold an evening with readers to meet for drinks here. I have been reading MNB daily since 2004 and would love to meet next time you’re in town.
I'll do that. Unfortunately on the recent trip, my schedule and the nature of my business kept me occupied. But next time, I'll do my best.
But another MB reader wrote:
Long time reader, fifth time caller………Just one question – It never occurred to me there was such a thing as “non-Buffett fans”!
Fins up!
Alas, it is true. But that's okay - as my father in law used to say, "Where taste is concerned there is no dispute."
