The Kroger Co.

The Kroger Co. is a leading American retail company, founded in 1883 by Bernard Kroger in Cincinnati, Ohio. Over the years, it has grown to become one of the world's largest retailers, operating 2,731 supermarkets and multi-department stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia.

Kroger's diverse store formats include supermarkets, supercenters, and warehouse stores, catering to a wide range of customer needs. The company operates under various banners, such as Smith's, Ralphs, King Soopers, and Fred Meyer, each tailored to specific regional markets.

Operations and Services

In addition to its extensive retail operations, Kroger has a significant presence in manufacturing and distribution. The company runs 33 manufacturing plants and 1,642 supermarket fuel centers, ensuring a steady supply of products to its stores.

Kroger also operates 2,254 pharmacies and 225 in-store medical clinics, providing comprehensive health and wellness services to its customers.

Private Label Products

Kroger's private label products, known as "Our Brands," encompass a wide range of items, including food, health and beauty products, and household goods. These products are produced and sold in quality tiers, accounting for over 30% of the retailer's unit sales.

Community and Sustainability

The company is committed to community engagement and sustainability. Through its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative, Kroger aims to end hunger and eliminate waste in the communities it serves.

This program focuses on providing meals to those in need and reducing food waste through various partnerships and programs.

Innovation and Technology

Kroger's dedication to innovation is evident in its adoption of technology to enhance customer experience. The company has explored the use of autonomous vehicles for grocery delivery, partnering with companies like Nuro to test driverless cars for delivering groceries.

Future Plans

As of June 2025, Kroger announced plans to close approximately 60 stores nationwide over the next 18 months to improve operational efficiency and profitability.

Despite these closures, the company intends to open at least 30 new stores this year and accelerate expansion in high-growth areas next year.

Headquarters

Kroger's headquarters are located at 1014 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-1100.

Locations

Kroger operates numerous stores across the United States under various banners.

• Chicago, IL, USA: Kroger serves the local community with a range of grocery and pharmacy services here.