Stop and Shop operates in a highly competitive New England market with very low margins.
Consumers would be hurt if they had to close stores or went out of business.
If they raise prices consumers won’t stop and shop.
Grocery store chains that target the average consumers are very fortunate if they end up with a net revenue greater than 2%.
Specialty grocers like Whole Foods, et al, market their goods to higher income consumers at a much higher price (even though many of their products are no different than what can be bought elsewhere).