Kroger Stock Price, News & Analysis

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) released a holiday shopping guide aimed at helping families navigate inflation challenges by offering meals for 10 people at $5 per person. Despite a 20-cent increase in turkey price per pound, Kroger will absorb these costs, keeping prices low for customers. The guide includes traditional Thanksgiving items and emphasizes the quality of Kroger's products. Additionally, Kroger is increasing promotions and offers to lower prices during the holiday season, while also committing to donate one million meals to Feeding America as part of its social responsibility initiatives.

Ralphs Grocery Company shared insights into Southern California's favorite Thanksgiving side dishes, expecting mashed potatoes to top the list this year. Other anticipated favorites include stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and sweet potatoes. Ralphs also promotes its 2022 brand film highlighting holiday memories and offers services like Ralphs Pickup and Delivery for convenient shopping. Additionally, the Boost by Ralphs membership promises to save customers over $1,000 annually on grocery delivery. Ralphs is a subsidiary of Kroger, operating 184 supermarkets across Southern California.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced a virtual career expo for veterans and military families on November 10, 2022, from 1-2 p.m. ET. The event aims to connect veterans with job opportunities and features insights from veteran leaders within the organization. Over the last decade, Kroger has hired more than 50,000 veterans, recognizing their unique skills. Senior executives emphasize the importance of providing meaningful careers for service members and their families, showcasing Kroger's commitment to supporting their transition into civilian roles.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) launched its 2022 holiday film, "Today's Holiday Moments are Tomorrow's Memories," showcasing a family's holiday memories centered around food. The film features a Kroji character and was created with production company Hornet and agency DDB. It features a rendition of "Iris" by Colbie Caillat, enhancing the emotional narrative. The campaign, emphasizing food's role in holiday traditions, will air during major Thanksgiving events and includes a printable coloring book. Kroger aims to inspire customers by highlighting memorable moments shared over meals.

Kroger/Ralphs and Cardinal Health are partnering for annual drug take back events on October 29, 2022, at over 150 pharmacy locations nationwide. This initiative aims to combat the rising misuse of prescription medications, as 66% of U.S. adults use them. Events will feature law enforcement onsite for safe disposal of expired drugs. Participating Ralphs locations in Southern California will operate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. The collaboration continues Cardinal Health's Generation Rx program, emphasizing safe medication use.

Ralphs Pharmacy, part of Kroger Health, urges customers to get their flu shots before the end of October for optimal protection during flu season. The CDC recommends vaccination to prevent flu-related hospitalizations, which can reach up to 710,000 annually in the U.S. Ralphs offers both high-dose and regular flu vaccines and provides a $5 grocery coupon for eligible customers receiving a shot by November 5. Vaccinations are administered by Certified Immunizing Pharmacists, and updated COVID-19 boosters are also available.

Kroger has officially launched its new Customer Fulfillment Center (CFC) in Romulus, Michigan, to enhance its grocery delivery services in the greater Detroit area. This 135,000-square-foot facility utilizes advanced robotics and machine learning technology in partnership with Ocado Group. The CFC aims to deliver groceries to customers within 90 minutes, employing over 700 associates. This initiative builds on Kroger's Boost membership program, offering significant savings on deliveries. Kroger's ongoing expansion reflects its commitment to redefining online grocery shopping.

Kroger and Albertsons Companies have announced a merger agreement, valuing the deal at approximately $24.6 billion, including $4.7 billion in Albertsons' net debt. Shareholders of Albertsons are set to receive $34.10 per share, with a special cash dividend of up to $4 billion. This merger aims to create a national footprint, enhancing customer accessibility to affordable food across 85 million households. Kroger plans to invest $1 billion in associate wages and $1.3 billion to improve customer experience, while expecting $1 billion in annual synergies post-merger.