The Kroger Co. operates a U.S. grocery retail business with supermarkets across multiple banners, complemented by fuel centers, pharmacies, private-label products, manufacturing, advertising and data analytics. News about KR commonly covers fresh food and seasonal merchandising, pickup and delivery services, digital coupons, private brands such as Simple Truth, Private Selection and Kroger brand products, and customer access through Kroger.com, the Kroger app and delivery marketplaces.
Company updates also include Harris Teeter, a wholly owned Kroger subsidiary, with recurring coverage of pharmacy services, nutrition support, grocery promotions, fuel rewards, community programs and associate initiatives. Other news themes include new products entering Kroger-banner stores, floral and gift offerings such as Bloom Haus, and enterprise training programs such as Pearl Street Academy.
The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) is hosting a spring hiring event on April 30, 2022, aiming to fill 23,000 positions across various departments including retail, e-commerce, and healthcare. The event will feature virtual interviews from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET and in-person interviews at local times. Kroger continues to invest in its workforce, having allocated $1.2 billion in wages and training over the past four years, resulting in an average hourly wage of $17, with total compensation exceeding $22 per hour. The company also offers extensive benefits and educational support.
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The Kroger Houston division appointed Teresa Dickerson as the new corporate affairs manager, overseeing communications and community relations for 108 stores in the Greater Houston area and Louisiana. Dickerson, with over 20 years of experience, previously managed corporate affairs for Kroger's Memphis division. She aims to deepen connections with associates and communities while promoting Kroger's commitment to providing fresh food. The Houston division has over 15,000 associates and focuses on creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025, having donated $1.9 million and 2.6 million pounds of food in 2021.
Kroger (NYSE: KR) and Bed Bath & Beyond (NASDAQ: BBBY) have launched a new e-commerce experience on Kroger.com, expanding their product offerings in home and baby categories. This collaboration aims to create a seamless digital shopping experience, allowing customers to purchase a variety of products, including exclusive Owned Brands from Bed Bath & Beyond and buybuy BABY. The initiative encompasses thousands of items and aims to enhance customer convenience and satisfaction.
Kroger has launched its new Restaurant Supply service in the Greater Dallas area, aimed at local restaurant operators. This service simplifies the procurement of fresh food at wholesale prices, offering competitive pricing, the ability to purchase items by case or unit, and free next-day delivery on orders over $250. The initiative addresses supply chain issues affecting restaurants, enabling them to maintain menu favorites with reliable product availability and consistent pricing. The service operates seven days a week, enhancing Kroger's support for regional food businesses.
The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) has appointed Erin Rolfes as the new Director of Corporate Communications & Media Relations. Rolfes, who joined Kroger in 2018, previously led Kroger Technology & Digital Communications. Her responsibilities include enhancing Kroger's corporate reputation and driving brand narrative. She succeeds Kristal Howard, who is leaving for other interests. Rolfes has notable experience in strategic communications and was recognized in the Cincinnati Business Courier's Forty under 40 list.
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The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced that Carl Icahn intends to nominate two director candidates, Alexis C. Fox and Margarita Paláu-Hernández, for election at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Board of Directors supports open communication with shareholders and prioritizes environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters, particularly animal welfare. Kroger aims to eliminate the use of gestation crates in its pork supply chain by 2025 and has established a Responsible Sourcing Framework to uphold these commitments. Shareholders need not take action at this time.
The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced a quarterly dividend of 21 cents per share, payable on June 1, 2022, to shareholders on record as of May 13, 2022. This marks a continuation of their dividend growth, which has seen a double-digit compound annual growth rate since its reinstatement in 2006. The company aims to deliver sustainable total shareholder returns of 8% to 11% over time, focusing on using free cash flow for investments, maintaining investment-grade ratings, and returning capital to shareholders.
The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced its expansion of grocery delivery services at its 2022 Business Update. New spoke facilities are set to open in Austin and San Antonio, TX, and Birmingham, AL, enhancing its fulfillment capabilities in collaboration with Ocado Group (LSE: OCDO). Each facility will serve as a last-mile cross-dock location, with the Austin and San Antonio sites creating up to 161 jobs each. The expansion aims to double digital sales and profitability by the end of 2023, leveraging automation and strategic partnerships.