More Politics Preventing Wegmans in Boston
Politicians are having fun blocking a liquor license for Wegmans in Massachusetts, thus preventing a new store in a new market. Some details from news articles and editorials show it's more than just for the sake of policy, it's more about preventing competition, doing favors and good ol' lobbying:
Patriot Ledger:
"McMurtry said Rep. Angelo Scaccia, a Democrat from Boston, told McMurtry that he would block the bill because it would give Wegmans a competitive advantage against a nearby Roche Bros. store in Westwood."
The Daily News Transcript:
McMurtry, who is pushing for the Legislature to approve the bill, thinks Scaccia is being influenced by a potential Wegmans competitor. It seems clear he is. Roche Bros. Supermarkets, whose CEO and owner, Rick Roche, lives in Westwood, hired former state representative Maryanne Lewis to lobby on its behalf. Lewis served in the House with Scaccia.
Posts
I live in Westwood and Roche is not stopping Wegmans from comming to Westwood. If Wegmans wants to come to Westood Station thats fine. Why should Wegmans get an unfair advantage over all other grocery or small markets in Westwood. What I hear is Wegmans will be opening 5 stores in MA. They can only own 3 liquor licenses. So whats the big deal make Westwood one of the stores that has to be dry.
ReplyDeleteThe whole Wegmans beer and wine license has taken a life of its own in the State House.
ReplyDeleteI see Wegmans as being the problem. They realize they will get the beer and wine license at the latest in JAN. That being said if you want to come to Westwood than just sign a lease and let the residents and everyone know your comming. Maybe Westwood isn't the right location for you and you should just tell us that and be gone.
Part of Wegmans business model is the sale of alcohol which is why they're pushing for it!
ReplyDeleteYou are quick to criticize, but clearly have no idea how phenomenal Wegmans is. Trust me, you want this store here. And I can't imagine anyone would complain that much about being able to buy a bottle of wine with their groceries for dinner! Roche Bros should be scared but not just about the advantage of selling alcohol, but the fact that Wegmans is better in every single aspect!!
I agree with the previous poster. A) If you're so quick to criticize, you've clearly never shopped at Wegman's because B) their business model is to be a one stop shop. For most of us, that includes beer/wine. I generally serve wine at my dinner parties, so a store where I can get wine WITH the food is ideal. And that doesn't even address all the other items you can find at Wegman's that you can't find at most supermarkets.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that it isn't the alcohol license that should make Roche Brothers nervous (and I have a feeling it isn't, really - that's just a handy blocking tool), it's the overall superior business model...not to mention FAR superior prices, particularly on organics.