Stater Bros., a grocery chain with 171 locations across Southern California, has cut 63 jobs in response to rising costs, CEO and Chairman Pete Van Helden announced in a video to employees.
Van Helden cited inflation as a major challenge, emphasizing its impact on pricing and operations. “One year ago, a dozen eggs cost $5.19. Now, they sell for $9.02, but we price them at $8.99—losing money on every sale,” he explained.
To avoid further price hikes, the company took an unprecedented step: reducing staff. The layoffs primarily affected courtesy clerks, who earn around $16.50 an hour to bag groceries and assist customers. Their absence may be felt at checkout lines across Stater Bros. stores.
…