Kroger

The Kroger Co., also known as Kroger (NYSE: KR), is an American retail business that primarily operates supermarkets and multi-department stores, the majority of which have pharmacies or fuel stations on their premises. Kroger operates in 35 states across the US and in the District of Columbia. It generated USD 148.3 billion in revenues in FY2023 (ending January 28, 2023).

As of January 2023, Kroger operated 2,719 supermarkets, either directly or through its subsidiaries. Of these, 252 supermarkets were equipped with pharmacies, while 1,637 had fuel stations on their premises. The company’s supermarkets follow one of four formats: Combination Food and Drug Stores, Multi-department Stores, Marketplace Stores, and Price Impact Warehouses. Additionally, Kroger offers an extensive portfolio of owned brands, collectively known as “Our Brands.” 

In October 2022, Kroger and Albertsons Companies (a food and drug retailer in the US, operating 2,271 retail stores as of end December 2022) announced a definitive merger agreement. As per Globaldata, with the merger, Kroger will consolidate its position as the second-largest retailer in the US with an 11.8% market share, compared to 7.1% in 2021.  

According to Kroger’s 2022 business update presentation, the company’s strategic plan for growth focuses on its four strategic pillars: Fresh (investment along the supply chain), Personalization (investment in customer experience, including digitalization), Our Brands (investment in Kroger brands), and Seamless (investment in Pickup and Delivery). Kroger also plans to reduce gas emissions by 30% by 2030.