Kroger cuts hundreds of jobs across store divisions

The Kroger Co. is laying off hundreds of employees nationwide in its store operating divisions.

Kroger on Thursday declined to specify the number, location and types of jobs cut. However, layoffs of mid-level managers have been enacted across the Kroger family of companies, Supermarket News has learned.

“Store operating divisions are constantly evolving to ensure they build the teams and leaders who will deliver an amazing experience for customers and associates both now and in the future. As part of ongoing talent management, many store operating divisions are evaluating middle-management roles and team structures with an eye toward keeping resources close to the customer,” a Kroger spokesperson said in a statement. “Store divisions operate independently, but all of them are taking steps to ensure they have the right talent in the right store leadership positions.”

Cincinnati-based Kroger didn’t provide further details on the job cuts. The spokesperson said the company generally doesn’t comment on personnel matters.

Overall, Kroger has nearly 500,000 employees and 20 regional/retail divisions. The company operates 2,759 food stores under such banners as Kroger, Ralphs, Dillons, Smith’s, King Soopers, Fry’s, QFC, City Market, Owen’s, Jay C, Pay Less, Baker’s, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, Pick ‘n Save, Copps, Metro Market, Mariano’s, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less and Foods Co.

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News of the layoffs comes several weeks after Kroger modified its fiscal 2019 guidance and profit outlook under its Restock Kroger strategic plan. Industry observers say Kroger’s bottom line has been pinched by heavy investment in building an omnichannel retail model as well as intense competition from Amazon, Walmart and other large grocery retailers.

In a conference call with analysts last month on second-quarter results, Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen said Kroger doesn’t expect to hit its three-year target of $400 million in incremental operating profit by 2020 under Restock Kroger. The company projected fiscal 2019 GAAP earnings per share of $2.30 to $2.40, down from its previous guidance of $2.38 to $2.48, but reiterated its adjusted EPS outlook of $2.15 to $2.25.

McMullen told analysts that more details behind Kroger’s guidance will be shared at its annual investor day in November.

“Transformation is incredibly difficult, and that’s the journey we are on with Restock Kroger. As we reflect on this journey, we want to be transparent about what went according to plan and what didn't go as anticipated,” McMullen said.

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“Over the course of a three-year plan in today's retail environment, there are lots of puts and takes. That said, I want to reiterate that Kroger is committed to FIFO operating profit growth in 2020 over 2019 confirmed guidance,” he added. “The Restock Kroger transformation journey sets the company up for long-term growth looking forward, and the benefits we have seen thus far have helped Kroger in our transformation from grocer to growth company. We have the right overall strategy and framework for this business and look forward to telling you more about it in November.”

For the second quarter, Kroger reported virtually flat sales, up 0.5% to $28.17 billion, but said identical-store sales excluding fuel rose 2.2%. Adjusted EPS came in at 44 cents, above Wall Street’s forecast of 41 cents. Digital sales surged 31% in the quarter, which McMullen said reflect Kroger’s efforts to redefine the customer experience under Restock Kroger.

To that end, Kroger has greatly expanded online grocery delivery and pickup services, now covering more than 95% of households in its market areas. The company also announced its fifth Ocado automated warehouse and expanded its Our Brands private label portfolio. In addition, Kroger has stepped up investment in alternative businesses such as personal finance, media and data analytics to drive profitability.

“We continue to make significant investments to redefine the grocery customer experience. We are building a platform of seamless experiences to serve customers anything they want, anytime they want, anywhere they want,” McMullen said in the second-quarter call. “We know that a seamless experience is essential to the customer experience both today and tomorrow, which is why we continue to invest heavily in our capabilities in this area.”