SUPERVALU INC. (SVU), The Kroger Co. (KR): Can Grocery Stores Survive Without This Key Marketing Tool?

Right now the IRS is mired in a scandal over its targeting of individuals and groups because of their political beliefs, and next year it will take the lead in implementing Obamacare, causing many to worry that sensitive health issues will be in the hands of an agency that has proved itself all too willing to be used as a pawn in the stratagems of political operatives. Someone’s personal shopping habits could be used to prove or disprove a medical claim or a tax deduction.

That’s why Albertsons needs to position its move as a blow against intrusive information hoarding. Don’t simply say the marketing data can be gathered other ways; in a period of heightened consciousness about privacy concerns, taking a leadership role in not collecting massive amounts of personal shopping habits that can be compromised by the government or hackers would put it in the express lane of consumer mindshare.

The article Can Grocery Stores Survive Without This Key Marketing Tool? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Rich Duprey.

Fool contributor Rich Duprey has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Amazon.com, Facebook, and Whole Foods Market and owns shares of Amazon.com, Facebook, SUPERVALU, and Whole Foods Market.

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