What are Kroger Subsidiaries?

Kroger is the largest supermarket and second largest general retail chain after Walmart in the US. For this we should be thankful to its huge number of subsidiaries including Fry’s and Fred Meyer. However, there are many subsidiaries that will surprise you.

It is said that there are around 15 Kroger’s subsidiaries across the globe and every store offer a different product and service. But some of them deal in the same product which makes it easier for the company to consolidate operations for Kroger.

Well known subsidiaries of Kroger

Soon after the establishment of Kroger is 1883, it started acquiring various top retail stores and grocery stores as a part of expansion plan. The family of companies which it owns include marketplace stores, supermarkets and multi-department stores in 2022. Other companies which Kroger owns are Fry’s, Dillons, Fred Meyer and much more.

If you are interested about how big Kroger is, especially its subsidiaries, here is a list of subsidiaries which you should know.

1. Fred Meyer

In 1999 it is the biggest merger for Kroger as Fred Meyer also owns Smith’s, Ralphs, QFC, and Food 4 Less at the time of merger. The company offers one-top shopping experience with various products from household items, cleaning products, electronics, dairy products, beverages, and fruits &vegetables. The merger cost $13 billion however it successfully created a supermarket chain with the large variety of formats and the broadest geographical coverage.

2. Dillons

The Kansas based grocery supermarket was acquired by Kroger in 1983 in the exchange of stock value of $750 million. The merger was very important for Kroger and played a crucial role in the growth of the brand. After this deal, Kroger became the coast-to-coast operator and also became specialized in convenience stores, drugs and food. After this merger Dillons also bought various other retailers in the family of Kroger.

3. Fry’s

After the merger of Kroger with American grocery supermarket chain Dillons, Kroger and Fry’s became connected. In 1972 Fry’s was sold to Dillons and the merger tool place in 1983. So, after merger it automatically became part of the Kroger family. But despite the merger Fry’s kept the brand name. this is a dominant brand in the Arizona and also cover more than 120 locations in the United States.

4. Ralphs

Ralphs is one of the largest subsidiaries of Kroger and was acquired after the merger of Fred Meyer as it was already part of it. Ralphs was bought by Fred Meyers in 1997 for expanding the company. So, after the merger with Fred Meyer Kroger become the owner in 1998. As of year 2022, there are more than 189 Ralph locations across United States and most of these locations are in California. Also, after this merger, Kroger also cover the area of Mid-Atlantic and Mid – West in the US.

5. Food 4 Less

Same as Fry’s, the new company Food 4 Less was acquired by the Kroger as a part of merger with the Ralphs. In 1996 Food 4 Less got merged with Ralphs for offering customer more variety of products. After adding Food 4 Less in the family, Kroger expanded the process and got more stores in many other locations of United States. Now customers can access services of Food 4 Less like online food orders, store locators, getting coupons, and shopping online.

6. Harris Teeter

For a deal costing around $2.5 billion, Kroger acquired a 212-store supermarket chain, Harris Teeter. Along with this, Kroger also considered the store’s outstanding debt of $100 million during the acquisition.  As per the CEO of Kroger, the acquisition happened in 2014 because the company saw Amazon.com putting its hands in the grocery business. So, the Kroger also made a move before Amazon bought entire food chain in 2017. Harris Teeter owns store in more than 200 locations of US.

7. Smith’s Food & Drug

This supermarket chain was established in 1911 and contributed as a subsidiary of Kroger after the merger of Fred Meyer in 1997 which cost is around $700 million.

Also read: What are Google subsidiaries?

8. Roundy’s

Since 2015, Roundy’s is the subsidiary of Kroger. It is the leading grocers in the Midwest which operates around 150 retail grocer stores. Various stores owned by Roundy’s function under different banners in Wisconsin and Illinois which include Mariano’s, Metro market, and Pick ‘n Save.

9. QFC

QFC is known as Quality Food Centre is a chain of supermarket having its stores in Portland, Oregon and Washington. QFC was sold to Fred Meyer in 1997 before the merger of Fred Meyer and Kroger in 1998. Like many other stores, QFC also owns various products from bath items to furniture and food.

10. King Soopers

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, King Soopers is a supermarket chain. The supermarket was a part of Dillions and after the merger of Dillons with Kroger, the King Soopers automatically became part of the Kroger.

11. City market

In Rocky Mountains, City Market represents Koger’s brand. This chain of supermarket is headquartered in Colorado. It was initially acquired by Dillon and after that City Market became part of Kroger.

12. Gerbes

This supermarket started in 1933 in Tipton, Missouri. This also became part of Kroger after the merger with Dillons for becoming the largest supermarket chain.

13. Mariano’s

This grocery store operates in Midwestern areas and deals with various beverages and foods like many other supermarket chains. Also, with this customer can also shop for groceries, furniture, dining items, and kitchen items. customers can also shop online and can avail free fuel points and shipping.

Wrap Up

After the establishment, 140 years ago, the company has been kept on innovating itself and has continuously acquired various brands to expand its presence across the United States.

Kroger is the country’s largest grocery store has now it own 2,800 stores in 35 states of USA which are operating under various names.

These grocery stores provide a one stop shop experience to its customers as they sell everything from hot meals, basic grocery staples, natural food, fuel centres and in-store pharmacies in various locations.