Here are 10 big moves this year that shoppers can expect to impact 2019.
1. Renovated and expanded stores
Kroger has significantly invested in renovating Miami Valley stores over the last year as part of Restock Kroger plan. In total, more than 1,000 stores are affected by plans to optimize space and enhance technology.
In the area alone, three Kroger stores have reopened since Nov. 30 with two more set to finish renovations in January.
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2. Expanded Kroger Grocery Pickup, Instacart delivery and Kroger Ship
More Kroger shoppers will have a chance to pick up groceries without leaving their cars or have their purchases delivered without leaving homes after Kroger's aggressive expansion in 2018. Major store renovations have paved way for growing curbside pickup at Kroger stores and the company continues to expand delivery through Instacart. Kroger Ship also debuted in 2018, sending grocery products through mail carriers.
4. Rolled out nationwide meal kit program after acquisition of Home Chef
Kroger rolled out meal kits from its merger with Home Chef in October. The meals that start at $8.50 per serving can be found in Kroger stores and on Home Chef's website.
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5. Expanded private label offerings, including its own clothing line, Dip
As private labels continue to grow in popularity, Kroger expanded its Our Brands, including Simple Truth, overseas. It also introduced a new clothing line called Dip. About 80 percent of the line's items are $19 or less.
6. Announced plans to phase out single-use plastic bags
Shoppers may soon be expected to bring their own bags to their local Kroger store. The region's largest grocery provider is doing away with plastic bags, citing experts estimates that 100 billion single-use bags are thrown away every year in the United States and less than 5 percent are recycled. The company has started a process to phase out the bags by 2025.
7. Partnered with Walgreens to expand reach of grocery products
Kroger brands may also start popping up in area Walgreens stores come next year if a pilot program in Northern Kentucky is successful. The 13 pilot stores offer 2,300 frequently purchased products in a mini store within Walgreens. Customers can also pick up Kroger orders at those Walgreens stores.
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8. Tested autonomous vehicles for delivery
Kroger will continue working to develop faster delivery methods into 2019, including its autonomous vehicle pilot in Arizona. The company recently announced that it's moving to the next phase where unmannded vehicles will be introduced to the streets.
9. Partnered with Good Rx in pilot for cheaper prescriptions
A new membership program at Kroger is expected to lower the cost of commonly-prescribed generic medications for area shoppers.
The largest grocery provider in the region launched a program this month called Rx Savings Club in partnership with GoodRx, an online platform that compares current medication prices and finds discounts.
10. Announced plans to open a digital headquarters in downtown Cincinnati
Kroger will open a second headquarters in downtown Cincinnati to house its growing digital team.
The second headquarters will be in the Atrium Two building in downtown Cincinnati. At first, the headquarters will house 600 digital associates, but the team is expected to grow to over 1,000 within three years. Kroger's digital sales grew more than 60 percent, according to the third quarter earnings report.
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