Kroger’s Loyalty Plan is Fuel for Thought

0
45

Share on LinkedIn

The Kroger Co., the largest traditional supermarket chain in the country, is preparing to release its fourth-quarter and annual earnings March 1, and the results will have as much to do with filled carts as filled gas tanks.

The Cincinnati-based chain, which operates about 2,500 stores under the brands Kroger, Ralphs and Fred Meyer, is expected to post its 33rd consecutive quarter of sales gains. In the third quarter, same-store sales rose 5 percent. Kroger expects similar gains in the fourth quarter.

That figure excludes gas sales, but that doesn’t mean Kroger’s fuel stations aren’t contributing to its banana and toilet paper sales. In actuality, Kroger’s fuel is driving store sales, because purchases in the store translate to pennies off the pump, thanks to Kroger’s loyalty program. Buy $100 worth of groceries, gets 10 cents off a gallon.

And with a gallon approaching $4, more and more people are willing to shop where their cereal fortifies their gas tank, as well as their kids.

Indeed, news outlets from Indiana to Alabama have reported this week that long lines of cars have clogged Kroger fuel locations, waiting to fill up on lower-priced gas, the cost of which is offset by their in-store purchases.

It will be an ongoing, tricky balancing act for Kroger. Consumers living too close to the bone will have to pass up on Mallomars and other supermarket treats in favor of gas. Or they’ll trade down to lower-cost brands. But Kroger can at least vie for those fuel dollars.

On March 1 we’ll see just how well its food for fuel strategy is working. Analysts expect total fourth-quarter sales of $21.4 billion, up 7.6%.

Lisa Biank Fasig
Lisa leads the creation of editorials and feature stories for COLLOQUY and oversees the work of contributing editors and writers. With 18 years of reporting experience, most in business and specifically consumer behavior, she is highly skilled at researching data and teasing out the trends. A background in graphic design enables her to see ideas in three dimensions and tell the story visually.

ADD YOUR COMMENT

Please use comments to add value to the discussion. Maximum one link to an educational blog post or article. We will NOT PUBLISH brief comments like "good post," comments that mainly promote links, or comments with links to companies, products, or services.

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here