Dive Brief:
- For 45 quarters in a row, Kroger reported positive same-store sales growth, without fuel, with a 5.2% increase for fiscal 2014. 2014 was also Kroger’s 10th consecutive year of assuming a larger share of the grocery store market and reducing operating expenses as rate of sales, according to a statement.
- The retailer reported an 8.5% increase over last year’s fourth quarter in Q4 2014 total sales and a 10.3% boost over 2013’s total sales for the fiscal year.
- In 2014, the supermarket chain created nearly 25,000 new jobs, including hiring more than 6,000 veterans, successfully merged with Vitacost.com, made headway in its integration with Harris Teeter, and invested in The Kroger Co. Foundation to fund future investments in surrounding communities.
Dive Insight:
CEO Rodney McMullen had nothing but good things to share. In a statement, he said, “2014 was an outstanding year by all measures. Kroger captured more share of the massive food market, delivered on our commitments and invested to grow our business.”