Kroger Gets Sales Boost

CINCINNATI-Kroger posted strong sales and earnings gains for its most recent quarter due to improved operations at its stores, according to executives. Same-store sales including fuel sales for the period, which ended May 20, rose 7.2% year over year. Without fuel, they rose 5.4%.

Improved customer service, cleanliness and quicker checkout times all helped results, said David Dillon, the grocer’s CEO, during a conference call with investors and analysts. “Our very best customers are buying more from us,” he says. “We’re running better stores.”

Kroger opened 16 units and renovated 39. The company also closed 36 stores, 16 of which are in the San Francisco and Sacramento, CA markets, which the retailer is exiting. The company currently operates 2,483 supermarkets and multi-department stores under more than 20 banners, including Kroger Marketplace, Ralphs, Fred Meyer and Food 4 Less.