Kroger to sell products in Walgreens

Kroger will begin selling Our Brands products in select Walgreens stores. JAROD THRUSH / STAFF

Kroger will begin selling Our Brands products in select Walgreens stores. JAROD THRUSH / STAFF

Kroger has joined forces with Walgreens to test a new format for the retailers.

The two stores will pilot a program that combines Kroger’s grocery service with Walgreens pharmacy, health and beauty focus in 13 Walgreens stores in Northern Kentucky near the Cincinnati headquarters.

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“This exciting collaboration aligns with Kroger’s vision of serving America through food inspiration and uplift,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO. “This concept brings together the best of two great brands to rethink convenience and redefine the way America shops for food.”

Kroger’s Our Brand and Simple Truth products will be for sale at the stores.

Analysts have said partnerships, acquisitions and mergers are one of the only ways traditional grocers will survive as they look to keep up with Amazon.

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Grocery analyst Brittain Ladd has suggested that Kroger should take even larger steps by merging with stores like Target or being acquired by bulk foods store Costco to avoid being surpassed by Amazon in grocery sales.

Kroger is the largest regional grocery provider with 44 supermarkets, 12 locations with Kroger Grocery Pickup services and another 10 locations with Starbucks services in the region. The popular grocer employs more than 8,100 associates in the Dayton region.

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