The Kroger Company, often simply referred to as Kroger, is a renowned American retail company. Founded by Bernard Kroger in 1883 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the company has outgrown its early years and expanded into one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States.
Kroger’s primary stock ticker symbol is KR which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). This is an abbreviation of the company name. The Kroger Company has a diverse range of operations across different sectors. These include supermarkets, multi-department stores, jewelry stores, and convenience stores. In total, as of 2021, Kroger operates about 2,800 retail food stores under multiple banners, which include hypermarkets, supermarkets, superstores, department stores, and more.
Some of its more well-known subsidiaries include Fred Meyer, Ralphs, King Soopers, Harris Teeter, and more, spread across the nation. In addition to its physical store presence, Kroger has also cultivated a significant online presence, with its online grocery pickup or delivery services as well as its ship-to-home services.
Kroger is not just restricted to grocery items; the company is also involved in manufacturing and processing of food for sale in its supermarkets. It operates approximately 35 food manufacturing plants, 44 distribution centers, and 253 jewelry stores.
The company is noted to be one of the leaders when it comes to sustainability and responsible sourcing. It has a robust sustainability platform, Zero Hunger | Zero Waste, which aims to end hunger in communities it serves and eliminate waste across the company by 2025.
Kroger is considered a major employer in the U.S with a workforce of approximately 500,000 associates serving in its multiple locations and branches. Financially, for FY 2020, Kroger reported more than USD 132 billion in total sales.
Kroger has continually sought to innovate and improve customer experience. The company has made significant investments in technology to address the digital needs of its customers. For instance, it launched “Kroger Pay”, a mobile payment solution that combines customers’ payment and loyalty cards. It has also partnered with companies like Ocado and Nuro to address the future needs in automated delivery and pickup solutions. This perpetual evolution to meet consumer needs is what makes Kroger a pioneer in the space and a force to be reckoned with in the U.S retail industry.