“High crime” isn’t the only reason stores like Kroger are closing. Supermarkets like Kroger are following the path of department stores like Sears and JC Penny. They started as the “come one come all” stores that catered to everyone and still are. The market has changed. High end stores like Publix and Whole Foods are picking off wealthy customers. Amazon and online delivery services are cutting into market share for younger and urban shoppers. The shopper who gets up on a Saturday morning and goes to Kroger or Giant to do their weekly shopping for the family is a vanishing customer and increasingly older.
I live in a flyover metro area with big box grocery stores and a regional grocery store chain. We have a stand alone grocery store open a few years ago. It wildly popular. It has a coffee bar and a grill to cook omelets, burgers and etc. It also has freshly cooked food that you can be eaten at the store or taken home.
THAT SHOPPER IS NOT GOING TO KROGER EVERY WEEKEND-—
THEY STOPPED SENDING WEEKLY FLYERS 2 YEARS AGO.
I SHOPPED AT SMITH’S REGULARLY FOR OVER 18 YEARS. KROGER AFFILIATE. BUT I LIVE OVER 24 MILES ONE WAY FROM THE STORE-—I AM ONLY GOING TO DRIVE THAT FAR WHEN I CAN SCAN THE FLYER & SEE ITEMS THAT ARE ON SALE & THAT IS CAN STOCK UP ON.
I AM NOT GOING TO MAKE A ROUND TRIP ON THE IDEA OF “MAYBE”.
THEIR ONLINE INFO IS DIFFICULT TO BROWSE, BUT I HAVE SCORED A COUPLE OF TIMES. OVER 3 YEARS NOW. I JUST GO TO WALMART & I BROWSE THE LOCAL RALEY’S FOR MEAT ON SALE.