Full Description

The Kroger Co., incorporated in 1902, is a retailer in the United States. The Company also manufactures and processes some of the food for sale in its supermarkets. As of January 31, 2009, the Company operated, either directly or through its subsidiaries, 2,481 supermarkets and multi-department stores, 781 of which had fuel centers. Approximately 43% of these supermarkets were operated in Company-owned facilities, including some Company-owned buildings on leased land. Supermarkets are operated in formats, such as combination food and drug stores (combo stores), multi-department stores, marketplace stores or price impact warehouses. It operates retail food and drug stores, multi-department stores, jewelry stores, and convenience stores throughout the United States.

The combo stores are the primary food store format. It is a one-stop shop for the customers and includes natural food and organic sections, pharmacies, general merchandise, pet centers and perishables, such as fresh seafood and organic produce. The multi-department stores are larger in size than combo stores. In addition to the departments offered at a typical combo store, multi-department stores sell a selection of general merchandise items, such as apparel, home fashion and furnishings, electronics, automotive products, toys and fine jewelry. Many multi-department stores include a fuel center. Marketplace stores are smaller in size than multi-department stores. They offer grocery and pharmacy departments, as well as an expanded general merchandise area that includes outdoor living products, electronics, home goods and toys. Many marketplace stores include a fuel center. Price impact warehouse stores offer a no-frills, low cost warehouse format and feature everyday low prices and promotions for a selection of grocery and health and beauty care items.

As of January 31, 2009, the Company operated through subsidiaries, 684 convenience stores and 385 fine jewelry stores. All of its fine jewelry stores located in malls are operated in leased locations. In addition, 87 convenience stores were operated through franchise agreements. Approximately 50% of the convenience stores operated by subsidiaries were operated in Company-owned facilities. The convenience stores offer an assortment of staple food items and general merchandise and, in most cases, sell gasoline. As of January 31, 2009, the Company operated 40 manufacturing plants. These plants consisted of 18 dairies, 10 deli or bakery plants, five grocery product plants, three beverage plants, two meat plants and two cheese plants.