Yesterday there was a horrifying incident at a local Kroger grocery store that resulted in the tragic death of a long-time employee.
I've shopped at that Kroger occasionally and remember seeing Ms. Nieto there. She always seemed to be in good humor—with just a hint of world-weariness that anyone who's ever worked in retail would instantly recognize. A candlelight vigil for her has been announced.
Those who work in close proximity with the public regularly meet their share of troubled individuals, although most of those encounters end without tragedy—unlike yesterday's.
I didn't know Ms. Nieto except to nod hello while scanning my items at the self-checkout but I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and co-workers in their time of grief.
As many learned during the pandemic, those toiling in retail are essential workers who work long hours, sometimes for subsistence wages.
Those employees shouldn't have to fear for their safety—or their lives—as well. Kroger's current net worth is estimated at around 32 billion dollars. It would be nice if they spent as much money safeguarding their employees as they do their merchandise.
There's more to come in the next dispatch.
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