Kroger announced today that chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen joined Matthew Shay, National Retail Federation president and CEO, for a conversation on Feeding the Human Spirit at the NRF Big Show. McMullen discussed how Kroger continues to serve customers and associates in an ever-changing and competitive grocery industry.
"Fundamentally, we know the grocery business will only ever become more competitive—that has proven true for the last century," said McMullen. "At Kroger, we succeed by giving a great experience to the customer, investing in associates, and making an impact in the communities we serve. When we do that really well, we succeed in living Our Purpose to Feed the Human Spirit."
McMullen also said that the constant evolution of retail makes the industry interesting, observing how shopping habits have gone from weekly trips to the store to the myriad of options customers choose between. The pandemic accelerated the digital shopping and delivery trend, which has become a necessity for customers cooking at home and seeking savings under the squeeze of inflation.
"A lot of people learned to cook during the pandemic, and when we talk to our customers, they are telling us they really like it, both in terms of eating together and showing off for their family and friends," said McMullen. "When families eat together, it improves so many aspects of their lives.”
McMullen credited Kroger's over 420,000 associates for the grocer's outstanding customer service and community impact, highlighting the commitment to support the mission to create communities free from hunger and food waste through Kroger's signature Zero Hunger | Zero Waste plan.
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