Kroger Reports 2Q Growth

The Kroger Co. (Cincinnati) reported its same-store supermarket sales grew 2.6 percent without fuel in the second quarter ended August 15, 2009. Total sales, including fuel, were $17.7 billion for the quarter compared with $18.1 billion for the same period last year. Excluding fuel sales, total sales increased 3.5 percent over the prior year.

“We remain confident in our strategy,” says David Dillon, Kroger's chairman and ceo. “The number of loyal households we serve and the number of items they are buying in our stores grew during the quarter. As a result, we experienced exceptional tonnage growth.”

For the year to date, Kroger’s total sales were $40.5 billion compared with $41.2 billion for the same period last year. Excluding fuel sales, total sales increased 3.7 percent and comparable store sales, excluding fuel, rose 2.9 percent.

As one of the nation's largest retail grocery chains, Kroger operates 2470 supermarkets and multi-department stores under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, Fry's, King Soopers, Smith's, Dillons, QFC and City Market. The company also operates 768 convenience stores, 388 fine jewelry stores, 818 supermarket fuel centers and 40 food processing plants in the U.S.