Kroger Stock Price, News & Analysis

Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) and Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ: BBBY) announced a strategic collaboration to offer Kroger customers a variety of home and baby products online and in select stores starting in 2022. This initiative allows Kroger shoppers to purchase items from Bed Bath & Beyond and buybuy Baby, aiming to enhance the shopping experience. The collaboration highlights Kroger’s commitment to innovation and product variety while expanding Bed Bath & Beyond's reach to a broader audience. This partnership is expected to drive sales growth for both companies.

Harris Teeter has announced the retirement of President Rod Antolock, effective February 1, 2022, after nearly 22 years with the company. He will be succeeded by Tammy DeBoer, currently serving as senior vice president of merchandising, operations, and marketing. Antolock, who joined in 2000, was instrumental in expanding Harris Teeter into new geographical areas and developing its customer engagement model. DeBoer brings over 25 years of retail experience and has previously held executive roles in other organizations, positioning her as a strong candidate for the presidency.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) and its meal solutions brand, Home Chef, have announced that Home Chef has surpassed $1 billion in annual sales. Founded in 2013, Home Chef merged with Kroger in 2018 and has since expanded meal options such as meal kits and heat-and-eat meals. The brand has over 500 products available at more than 2,200 Kroger stores. Home Chef aims to simplify cooking with fresh ingredients and diverse options, catering to busy families looking for quality meal solutions.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio and Kroger Health have launched new 2022 Medicare Advantage plans aimed at improving overall health through enhanced benefits. These plans offer a Healthy Groceries Card, loaded with up to $75 monthly, allowing eligible members to buy nutritious food and health items at Kroger locations. Additional benefits include allowances for over-the-counter health items and dietitian sessions. The annual enrollment period starts on October 15, 2021, and runs until December 7, 2021.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Georgia and Kroger Health have launched new Medicare Advantage plans for 2022 that cater to overall health and wellness needs. Eligible members will receive a Healthy Groceries Card with $75 monthly to purchase nutritious food at Kroger stores, along with an over-the-counter (OTC) allowance for health-related items. The collaboration aims to improve access to affordable healthcare and integrates nutrition into preventive care. The enrollment period for these plans runs from October 15 to December 7, 2021.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Kroger Health have announced new Medicare Advantage plans for 2022, focusing on comprehensive health needs, including nutrition. Members in Kentucky can use a Healthy Groceries Card, loaded with up to $100 per month, at Kroger stores to buy healthy food. Additional benefits include a quarterly allowance for over-the-counter health items and access to 12 monthly sessions with a dietitian. Enrollment starts October 15, 2021, for eligible residents across six Kentucky counties.

Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced the expansion of its Kroger Delivery service with new fulfillment centers, powered by Ocado Group, aimed at enhancing grocery e-commerce. The new centers will operate in the Northeast, California, and Florida, offering same-day and next-day delivery. Kroger aims to double its digital sales and profitability by the end of 2023. The company emphasized its commitment to leveraging technology for customer satisfaction and increasing efficiency in operations.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) is set to host its second nationwide hybrid hiring event on October 13, aiming to recruit 20,000 associates across various roles, including retail, e-commerce, and healthcare. This initiative comes as part of Kroger's preparation for the upcoming holiday season. The company highlights its commitment to competitive wages, with over $800 million invested in employee compensation and training in the past three years. Kroger also offers extensive benefits, including tuition reimbursement up to $21,000, health resources, and flexible scheduling.

The Kroger Co. Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen delivered the keynote address at Groceryshop in Las Vegas on September 22, 2021. He emphasized Kroger's commitment to integrating fresh offerings with digital advancements to enhance customer experience. Key insights included Kroger's intent to double its digital business by the end of 2023, a $350 million investment in associate wages, and their sustainable Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative, which has donated 1.8 billion meals in four years. Kroger aims to evolve its operations while addressing changing consumer behaviors.