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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.6
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-35199, 333-36473, and 333-47523 of
Fred Meyer, Inc., all on Form S-8, and Registration Statement Nos. 333-44537,
333-46835, and 333-56637 of Fred Meyer, Inc., all on Form S-3, of our report
dated March 9, 1998, included in the Food 4 Less Holdings, Inc. Form 10-K for
the year ended February 1, 1998, and to all references to our firm included in
or made part of the aforementioned registration statements. Further, as
independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our report for Food 4 Less Holdings,
Inc. dated March 9, 1998, included in the Food 4 Less Holdings, Inc. Form 10-K
for the year ended February 1, 1998 and to all references to our Firm included
in or made a part of this registration statement.
 
                                          /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Los Angeles, California
February 8, 1999