The Kroger Co.

The Kroger Co. is an American retail company, founded by Bernard Kroger in 1883 in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States, with over 2,800 stores across the country. The company operates under several banners, including Kroger, Ralphs, Dillons, Smith's, King Soopers, Fry's, QFC, City Market, Owen's, Jay C, Pay Less Super Markets, Baker's, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, Pick 'n Save, Copps, Metro Market, Mariano's, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, and Foods Co.

History

Bernard Kroger founded the company in 1883 with his life savings of $372. The first store was located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The company was incorporated on April 30, 1902. In the ensuing years, Kroger became the first grocery chain to have its own bakery and to sell meats and groceries under one roof.

Operations

The Kroger Co. operates supermarkets, multi-department stores, marketplace stores, and price-impact warehouse stores. In addition to the retail stores, Kroger is also involved in the manufacturing of food and grocery products, and in the processing and advertising of supermarket food.

Subsidiaries

The Kroger Co. has several subsidiaries, including Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Food 4 Less, and Harris Teeter. These subsidiaries operate in different regions of the United States and have their own set of operations and products.

Corporate Responsibility

The Kroger Co. is committed to corporate social responsibility. The company has initiatives in place to reduce waste, improve food security, and support the communities in which it operates.

See Also

• List of supermarket chains in the United States
• Retail
• Supermarket