The Kroger Co. (Public, NYSE:KR) is an American retail supermarket chain and parent company, founded by Bernard Henry Kroger in 1883 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
It reported over US$70 billion in sales during fiscal year 2008 and is currently the second-largest grocery retailer in the country by volume and second-place general retailer in the country, with Wal-Mart being the largest .
As of January 28, 2012, it operated, either directly or through its subsidiaries, 2,435 supermarkets and multi-department stores, 1,090 of which had fuel centers. As of January 28, 2012, it operated 2,435 supermarket and multi-department stores under banners, including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s. Of these stores, 1,090 have fuel centers. It also operates 791 convenience stores, either directly or through franchisees, and 348 jewelry stores. In addition to the supermarkets, as of January 28, 2012, it operated through subsidiaries 791 convenience stores and 348 jewelry stores. All of its jewelry stores located in malls is operated in leased locations. All of its jewelry stores located in malls is operated in leased locations.