I'm of mixed views on this.
I rather like most of what Farm Boy does now.
They have a couple of weak points, but are by and large much better than the larger chains.
Sobeys seems to be suggesting they will keep the name plate, even extend it and the private label products for which it has become known.
I vote selfishly for Sobeys Danforth to the top of the list for re-brand.
However, it's rare for acquisitions like this to stay truly independent w/one owner.
Initial changes like merging payroll/accounting or adding some buying power aren't bad things, unless you're the unfortunate soul who's made redundant.
But over time there's a tendency to want to save money on store design, merging buying teams, then slimming down the number of vendors, and as you consolidate warehouses, you tend to be less able to buy local.
Perhaps Sobeys will execute this purchase better than most, one can hope.
But if its acquisition of Safeway is any indication........this is a sad day for foodies.
