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Supermarket chains like Walmart, Albertsons, and Stop & Shop are shutting down nationwide. See if your neighborhood grocer is closing up shop here. RELATED: Big Lots Is No Longer Closing 15 Stores—Here's Why and Where.

In an historic ruling for labor and antitrust advocates, a federal judge blocked the $25 billion merger of grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons.

Antitrust experts say a few core issues prompted the judges to say no the merger, ultimately dooming the deal.

A federal judge on Tuesday blocked the proposed $25 billion merger of grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons, ruling that the deal would limit competition and harm consumers but leaving the door

Kroger’s conduct created frustration and distrust among regulators … and ultimately caused an unprecedented litigation onslaught,” Albertsons claims in a newly unsealed lawsuit.

The ruling, citing a potential loss of competition, was a victory for the Federal Trade Commission. Later, a Washington State judge blocked the deal on similar grounds.

Under the merger agreement, Kroger and Albertsons — who compete in 22 states — agreed to sell 579 stores in places where their locations overlap to C & S Wholesale Grocers, a New Hampshire-based supplier to independent supermarkets that also owns the Grand Union and Piggly Wiggly store brands.

Kroger and Albertsons could turn to fast-growing and profitable advertising ventures to tackle competition and grow after a failed $25 billion merger between the two supermarket rivals, analysts said.

The companies’ failed merger is a stark reminder of the risks food retailers face as they position themselves in a rapidly changing market, analysts said.

So, what is Albertsons’ ( ACI) plan in a post-Kroger ( KR) world? Lowering prices is likely top on its list. And to optimize its real-estate footprint, Albertsons ( ACI) could also sell and lease back its stores or continue to close some stores outright.

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