idk where i live we have a few krogers and nothing else. i think these differ by geographic footprint. we have plenty of competition:

* HEB

* walmart

* brooks brothers

* fiesta

* 99 ranch market/other asian stores

* lots of good carnicerias

* costco

there's an aldi but i've been a few times and it's a awful experience and i don't think most people go there but there's still plenty of options. there's probably something specific about where you are that's pushed towards that situation if there are no options.

kraft, nestle and general mills make name brands. most of the stores i just listed offer store brands that are basically the same thing for cheaper. you don't have to buy from the megacompanis.

mostly agree on the whole foods argument, though.