With over 2800 stores across 35 states, under 24 banners, and annual sales exceeding $132.5 billion, Kroger is among the largest retailers globally. The American chain store operates multi-department stores and supermarkets throughout the US. Whether you are shopping for beauty products, fresh vegetables, dairy products, or national brand groceries, this is your go-to place.
Of late, there have been rumors suggesting that Kroger has acquired Publix. If you are a regular at Kroger, you might want to determine whether this is true. This detailed article will give you all the answers you need.
Does Kroger Own Publix?
No, Kroger does not own Publix. Kroger and Publix are completely separate entities.
Kroger is a grocery store whose story begins in Cincinnati, 1883 when its founder Barney Kroger invested all his savings to start a simple grocery store. Over 100 years later, its motto “Be particular. Never sell anything you would not want yourself” still drives this retail giant.
With its operations now spread throughout 35 states, the company’s dedication to meeting its customers’ dynamic needs by increasing access to fresh food is unrivaled.
On the other hand, Publix was the idea of George W. Jenkins, who founded the company in 1930. The store began as a single 27-by-65-foot establishment with only five employees. Jenkins stressed on high-quality goods and excellent customers service as his competitors focused on productivity ad price.
Today, the company ranks among the top seven supermarket chains in the US-based on the number of stores and sales volume. Its skilled marketing, stable workforce, and use of state-of-the-art technology have seen the retailer take up its position in the world of business.
Is Kroger and Publix the Same Company?
Publix and Kroger are two completely different companies. Different founders launched them in different years.Neither company has bough the other.
The rumors that Kroger has acquired Publix aren’t true.
What Company Owns Publix?
Publix is inarguably the biggest employee-owned company in the United States. Employees own about 80% of the shares, while the Jenkins family owns 20%. With a net worth of $8.8 billion in 2020, the Jenkins family is among the richest in the US, according to Forbes.
What Companies Does Kroger Own?
Kroger operates its convenience stores in these four formats:
Supermarkets
The Kroger supermarket format is a combination of food and drug stores. These stores can bring in a return exceeding the capital cost by attracting customers within a 2.5-mile radius.
Despite being considered “neighborhood stores” because of their size, travel time, and shopping experience, the stores are big enough to provide the high-margin specialty departments much desired by customers. Examples of specialty departments are pharmacies, pet centers, and whole health sections.
Some of the supermarkets owned by Kroger include Ralphs, Smith’s, QFC, Jay C, Gerbes, Metro Market, Pay Less, City Market, Ralphs, King Scoopers, and Harries Teeter, among others.
Multi-Department Stores
Fred Meyer operated the Fred Meyer multi-department store since 1922. Fred Meyer is the United States’ third-largest supercenter operator and your one-stop store for memorable shopping experiences.
The stores are about 165,000 square feet and stock over 225,000 products, all under one roof. The selection in the stores includes home fashion, apparel, shoes, accessories, and home electronics, among others.
Marketplace Stores
These stores provide full-service grocery and pharmacy merchandise. They also offer electronics, home goods, toys, and outdoor living products. Marketplace stores launched within the last couple of years have an average size of 100,000 square feet.
Price-Impact Warehouse Stores
These stores have high-quality products that give them a competitive edge. The warehouse stores also provide distinctive ethnic products and cater to the needs of the surrounding communities. Currently, Food 4 Less operates grocery warehouse stores under these banners:
- Foods Co-located in Northern California
- Food 4 Less in Nevada, Indiana, and California
The stores are averagely 57,000 square feet in size and are suitable for shoppers operating on a tight budget as they offer affordable pricing and superior quality. Here, you will also find a wide range of dairy products, fresh produce, and baked goods.
Can I Fuel at Kroger?
Yes, you can fuel at Kroger. The company considers gasoline an automatic bonus to the one-stop shopping experience.
Kroger parking lots began selling petroleum in 1998, and by 2015, it was operating 1423 supermarket fuel centers. Typically, the fuel centers comprise:
- Fuel pumps
- A kiosk to purchase snacks, cigarettes, and oil-related products
- A well-lit canopy covering the whole center
Does Kroger Own Harris Teeter?
Yes, Harris Teeter is a wholly-owned Kroger subsidiary. In 2014, the renowned grocer acquired the then 212-store supermarket in a $2.5 billion deal.
However, Harris Teeter retained its brand, name, and headquarters after the acquisition.
Does Kroger Own Safeway?
No, Kroger does not own Safeway. Albertsons Companies has full ownership of Safeway after buying out the company in 2015.
Also, the two companies (Albertsons Companies and Safeway) are owned by the parent company Cerberus Capital Management.
Does Kroger Take Apple Pay?
No, Kroger doesn’t take Apple Pay. This might be because of the launch of their in-house NFC-related program called Kroger Pay. The program functions similarly to Apple Pay, except it incorporates your Kroger membership and reward cards to simplify the checkout process.
Does Kroger Deliver?
Yes, Kroger Delivery allows you to do online grocery shopping and have the items delivered to your doorstep. But, you will incur a $9.95-$11.95 delivery fee.
Once you’ve made your order, a Kroger associate will shop for you and let you know if there are items on your list that are currently out of stock.
If it is okay with you, they can pick up substitutes for these items before delivering your groceries at your preferred time.
To find out the availability of Kroger Delivery in your area, all you need to do is visit Kroger.com and type in your ZIP code.
Conclusion
To sum it up, Kroger is your go-to store for all your shopping needs. However, Kroger and Publix are two entirely different ventures. The former’s headquarters are in Cincinnati, Ohio, while the latter has its headquarters in Lakeland, Florida.
Publix is the largest employee-owned company in the United States, with its employees owning 80% of the company shares.
Kroger-owned companies include QFC, City Market, Gerbes, and Pay Less. Kroger also offers delivery services but doesn’t accept Apple Pay as a payment option.