The first Stater Bros. store opened in Yucaipa in 1936, and this is the first time the San Bernardino-based company has issued layoffs.

The Southern California grocery chain laid off more than 60 store workers as a cost reduction effort to avoid raising food prices for consumers.

Southern California-based Stater Bros. Markets has announced the layoff of dozens of clerks, a first in the company’s 89-year history.

Stater Bros. Markets has laid off dozens of clerks in its Southern California stores, blaming inflation and tariffs, amid a fight for a new labor contract.

The supermarket chain’s CEO blamed inflation and tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump for cutting 63 clerk positions.

The grocery chain is laying off workers because of inflation, tariffs and nonunionized markets, which attract customers with lower prices.