Latest news with #Kroger-owned
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Thousands of Kroger, Albertsons grocery store workers vote to strike
A union representing thousands of workers at Kroger and Albertsons grocery stores have voted to strike. After five months at the bargaining table, the United Food & Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) 3000 union voted to reject their employers' latest contract by more than 97%. The union represents nearly 30,000 grocery employees at Kroger-owned stores like Fred Meyer and QFC, and Albertsons-owned stores like Safeway. 'We authorized a strike to fight for better wages, better staffing, and a fully funded healthcare plan so that we can deliver the kind of service our customers deserve,' said Vickie Logerstedt, a cashier at Redmond Ridge QFC. 'We have been more than patient for months, but these companies have offered nothing but crumbs and mealy language. Time has run out.' The workers were asking the grocery chains for better wages, more staffing and improved healthcare. UFCW 3000's member-led bargaining team started contract negotiations with Kroger and Albertsons in January of 2025. The three-year contract covering Kroger and Albertsons grocery store workers in much of the Puget Sound area ended in May, but both parties agreed on a short contract extension to help reach an agreement. Kroger told KIRO 7 on the day of the vote that it believes it's offering a great deal and said: 'We remain actively engaged in bargaining with UFCW 3000 because we believe the best outcomes are achieved at the table, not through disruption.' It should be noted that a strike authorization vote does not mean a strike will occur. 'A strike at this stage is an unnecessary and disruptive action—especially given the meaningful wage increases and industry-leading healthcare we're offering at the bargaining table,' said Todd Kammeyer, president of Fred Meyer. 'We remain committed to continuing negotiations in good faith and urge union leadership to do the same.' Another round of negotiations is scheduled for June 12 and 13. The contract extension agreement can be unilaterally terminated with a 72-hour notice, and a strike could not begin until after the 72-hour notice has run out. Kroger told KIRO 7 it believes it's offering a great deal and said: 'We remain actively engaged in bargaining with UFCW 3000 because we believe the best outcomes are achieved at the table, not through disruption.' A union spokesperson told KIRO 7 that all sides will return to the bargaining table on June 12-13, and workers are hoping this vote can send a message. Fred Meyer and QFC will remain open.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Kroger announces big store change amid price gouging accusations
Kroger announces big store change amid price gouging accusations originally appeared on TheStreet. Last month, Kroger () , which has over 2,000 stores across the country, was accused of squeezing extra money out of its customers as they battle inflation and higher costs of living. According to a monthslong investigation from Consumer Reports, The Guardian and the Food & Environment Reporting Network, it alleges that Kroger shoppers have unknowingly been paying full price for a plethora of items in stores that were advertised as being on sale or discounted. 💵💰Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter 💰💵 The investigation recruited people to shop at 26 Kroger and Kroger-owned stores, and they found expired price tags that led to overcharges on over 150 grocery items, such as salmon, Cheerios cereal, Nescafé instant coffee, of the price tags were expired by at least 10 days, and the prices of five of the items were expired by at least 90 days. The average overcharge was $1.70 per item. While Kroger employees were quick to correct pricing errors when customers flagged them, many went unnoticed. The investigation into Kroger's prices comes after customers in Ohio, Utah, California and Illinois filed class-action lawsuits over incorrect pricing in the grocery chain's stores. In response to the investigation, a Kroger representative told the organizations in a statement that it reviews 'millions of items weekly to ensure our shelf prices are accurate.' 'While any error is unacceptable, the characterization of widespread pricing concerns is patently false,' said the Kroger representative. Shortly after the investigation's results were published on May 14, multiple Kroger employees told Consumer Reports that managers have been instructed to correct all price tag errors in stores within 'a matter of days.' Kroger also announced on May 15 that it was hiring 15,000 new associates to 'enhance the customer experience,' in roles such as 'cashiers, baggers, deli bakery clerks, pharmacy technicians, Kroger delivery drivers,' according to a press release. "We invite future associates to make a home at Kroger and discover a fresh opportunity with competitive pay and benefits, flexible schedules and a promise to invest in your future,' said Tim Massa, Kroger chief associate experience officer, in the press highlighted that it offers 'on-demand, role-specific training' to employees and perks such as education and tuition reimbursement, free financial coaching, health care, discounts, etc. The investigation into Kroger's prices comes after its senior director for pricing, Andy Groff, was questioned in federal court last year about the grocery chain's pricing. During a Federal Trade Commission hearing over Kroger's plan to purchase its rival Albertsons, Groff was questioned about an email he wrote in March to his bosses that stated that Kroger had raised its prices higher than inflation. "On milk and eggs, retail inflation has been significantly higher than cost inflation," wrote Groff in the email. More Retail: Costco quietly plans to offer a convenient service for customers T-Mobile pulls the plug on generous offer, angering customers Kellogg sounds alarm on unexpected shift in customer behavior In response to questions about the email, Groff testified that Kroger's objective was to "pass through our inflation to consumers." Last year, Kroger also faced an investigation from several lawmakers over its use of digital price tags, which the grocery chain claims allows employees to update prices for items within seconds. In an Aug. 5 letter to Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen, U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bob Casey revealed that they will be launching an investigation into the company's digital price tags, which is present in some of its stores, as they are worried that the technology will open the door for price gouging. 'These digital price tags may enable Kroger and other grocery chains to transition to 'dynamic pricing,' in which the price of basic household goods could surge based on the time of day, the weather, or other transitory events – allowing stores to calibrate price increases to extract maximum profits at a time when the amount of Americans' income spent on food is at a 30-year high,' reads the announces big store change amid price gouging accusations first appeared on TheStreet on Jun 3, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Amazon Fresh doubles down on discounts
Amazon Fresh seems to have seized on a simple strategy to bring shoppers into its supermarkets: Charge less than the competition for a broad assortment of foods - and make sure customers know about it. During visits to three of the supermarket chain's locations on the East and West coasts in May, Grocery Dive journalists observed an abundance of bright red low-price signs inside and outside stores. They also found that prices for a number of common, brand name items were sharply lower than what nearby stores charged for identical items. For example, an Amazon Fresh store in Bellevue, Washington, charged $3.49 for an 8-ounce tub of Philadelphia cream cheese when a reporter visited on May 27, while a Kroger-owned QFC across the street asked $4.99 for the same product. The same Amazon Fresh store charged $6.99 for a 12-pack of Pepsi cans, compared with $10.99 for that size package of the soft drink at QFC. Produce prices at Amazon Fresh were also strikingly low. The grocer's store in Alexandria, Virginia, beckoned customers on May 29 with 1-pound packages of strawberries for $1.89 each, while a Giant Food store a five-minute drive away charged $3.79 for the same size package of the popular fruit (or $4.99 for shoppers who don't belong to the Ahold Delhaize banner's loyalty program). The Amazon Fresh location in Gaithersburg, Maryland, was also replete in May with items sporting prices that were below what nearby competitors charged. Amazon Fresh has gone all out to ensure that shoppers know they will find bargains in its stores. The chain's locations that Grocery Dive visited are decked out with signs proclaiming, "Low prices. Every aisle. Every day." Other signs remind shoppers that the bargains are "here to stay." Signs outside point out that shoppers do not need to belong to Amazon Prime to take advantage of the savings - although people can return Amazon packages during their visit. The intense focus on low prices at Amazon Fresh stores of late underscores Amazon's pricing heft. It also reflects an evolving quest by the company to carve a niche for itself in the crowded traditional supermarket space. "As part of our focus on offering customers low, competitive prices to save money every day, we work to meet or beat competitor prices across the vast selection of products in our stores," Amazon spokesperson Molly McWhinnie said in an emailed statement. Nearly three years after opening its first Amazon Fresh store in August 2020, Amazon paused the chain's expansion after concluding that its initial approach was not resonating with shoppers. Less than a year later, it unveiled a new store design with updated signage and a larger array of products. While Amazon formerly used its Fresh stores as showcases for its Just Walk Out automated checkout technology, it has since taken that gear out and shifted its focus to its Dash Cart smart carts. Copyright 2025 Industry Dive. All rights reserved.
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Kroger announces big store change amid price gouging accusations
Last month, Kroger (KR) , which has over 2,000 stores across the country, was accused of squeezing extra money out of its customers as they battle inflation and higher costs of living. According to a monthslong investigation from Consumer Reports, The Guardian and the Food & Environment Reporting Network, it alleges that Kroger shoppers have unknowingly been paying full price for a plethora of items in stores that were advertised as being on sale or discounted. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter The investigation recruited people to shop at 26 Kroger and Kroger-owned stores, and they found expired price tags that led to overcharges on over 150 grocery items, such as salmon, Cheerios cereal, Nescafé instant coffee, etc. Related: Target faces another massive boycott from customers One-third of the price tags were expired by at least 10 days, and the prices of five of the items were expired by at least 90 days. The average overcharge was $1.70 per item. While Kroger employees were quick to correct pricing errors when customers flagged them, many went unnoticed. The investigation into Kroger's prices comes after customers in Ohio, Utah, California and Illinois filed class-action lawsuits over incorrect pricing in the grocery chain's stores. In response to the investigation, a Kroger representative told the organizations in a statement that it reviews "millions of items weekly to ensure our shelf prices are accurate." "While any error is unacceptable, the characterization of widespread pricing concerns is patently false," said the Kroger representative. Shortly after the investigation's results were published on May 14, multiple Kroger employees told Consumer Reports that managers have been instructed to correct all price tag errors in stores within "a matter of days." Kroger also announced on May 15 that it was hiring 15,000 new associates to "enhance the customer experience," in roles such as "cashiers, baggers, deli bakery clerks, pharmacy technicians, Kroger delivery drivers," according to a press release. "We invite future associates to make a home at Kroger and discover a fresh opportunity with competitive pay and benefits, flexible schedules and a promise to invest in your future," said Tim Massa, Kroger chief associate experience officer, in the press release. Related: BJ's CEO warns customers of a harsh new reality in stores Kroger highlighted that it offers "on-demand, role-specific training" to employees and perks such as education and tuition reimbursement, free financial coaching, health care, discounts, etc. The investigation into Kroger's prices comes after its senior director for pricing, Andy Groff, was questioned in federal court last year about the grocery chain's pricing. During a Federal Trade Commission hearing over Kroger's plan to purchase its rival Albertsons, Groff was questioned about an email he wrote in March to his bosses that stated that Kroger had raised its prices higher than inflation. "On milk and eggs, retail inflation has been significantly higher than cost inflation," wrote Groff in the email. More Retail: Costco quietly plans to offer a convenient service for customersT-Mobile pulls the plug on generous offer, angering customersKellogg sounds alarm on unexpected shift in customer behavior In response to questions about the email, Groff testified that Kroger's objective was to "pass through our inflation to consumers." Last year, Kroger also faced an investigation from several lawmakers over its use of digital price tags, which the grocery chain claims allows employees to update prices for items within seconds. In an Aug. 5 letter to Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen, U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bob Casey revealed that they will be launching an investigation into the company's digital price tags, which is present in some of its stores, as they are worried that the technology will open the door for price gouging. "These digital price tags may enable Kroger and other grocery chains to transition to 'dynamic pricing,' in which the price of basic household goods could surge based on the time of day, the weather, or other transitory events – allowing stores to calibrate price increases to extract maximum profits at a time when the amount of Americans' income spent on food is at a 30-year high," reads the letter. Related: Kroger has alarming plans for digital price tags, lawmakers say The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kroger May Be Charging You Too Much for Groceries, Consumer Reports Says
You may be paying more than you should at a major grocery store chain. Kroger grocery stores have a problem with their price tags, resulting in shoppers paying full price for some items that are labeled as being on sale. The issue was uncovered by Consumer Reports during a three month-long investigation. Consumer Reports started examining prices after employees at Kroger stores in Colorado, during union negotiations, said that errors on price labels have been a problem for years. They said price tags aren't always removed when a sale or promotion ends, so shoppers pay full price for items that have expired discount or sale tags. The chain has also been the subject of class-action lawsuits alleging pricing errors in California, Illinois, Ohio, and Utah. Kroger owns other stores, including Fred Meyer, Fry's, Harris Teeter, and Ralphs. Read More: A Food Editor's Secret To Saving Time and Money at the Grocery Store In March, April, and May, Consumer Reports sent people shopping at more than two dozen Kroger and Kroger-owned stores in 14 states and the District of Columbia. The shoppers found sale labels that had expired, resulting in overcharges on more than 150 items. The report found an average overcharge of $1.70 per item, or 18.4 percent. 'Our findings suggest the typical Kroger shopper ends up paying far more for what they think are discounted items—all during a time of inflation and economic uncertainty,' Consumer Reports wrote. Experts who were asked to examine the findings told Consumer Reports that the price label mistakes could be in violation of federal and state laws that protect consumers. Kroger responded to Consumer Reports that the company is 'committed to affordable and accurate pricing' and that it reviews 'millions of items weekly to ensure our shelf prices are accurate.' The company told Consumer Reports, 'While any error is unacceptable, the characterization of widespread pricing concerns is patently false.' Read More: This One Trick Will Cut Your Grocery Bill, According to a Grocer's Daughter Store employees quickly corrected shopping errors when they were pointed out, according to Consumer Reports, but likely many shoppers unknowingly overpaid at the checkout. To make sure you're paying the prices you're supposed to, be savvy when shopping. Registered dietitian and health consultant Amy Goodson offers these tips. Use self-checkout. 'If you are personally doing the food scanning, you can keep track of the prices and if the discounts are showing up appropriately,' Goodson says. Pay attention. Watch the prices, particularly for sale items and produce that is charged by weight. But you really have to be alert at the end of the transaction. 'Typically, discounts are subtracted when you select 'pay now,' so make sure those items reduce in price when you check out.' Double-check coupons. If you're using coupons—in the app or physical coupons—make sure they all scan at the end. Speak up. If you think something scanned incorrectly, point it out immediately. 'It's easier to fix on the spot than after you leave the store,' Goodson says. Read the original article on SIMPLYRECIPES
