Anyone who has spent any time in NVA over the last 40 years is familiar with the Giant grocery store chain. When the chain passed from its private owners a few years ago, problems began. These problems multiplied when the New England chain Stop n’ Shop acquired Giant. Add new competition–Food Lion, Harris Teeter, and Wegman’s–and loyalty to Giant, once an article of faith, is dissipating. It’s a cautionary tale for business and for any long-standing organization seeking to change.

Michael Barbaro has an article on Giant’s recent problems in the Washington Post, plus he took questions online today. One interesting note: most of the online negative comments about Giant come from Maryland residents. Most of the new stores competing with Giant are in Virginia.