Kroger does it again

Cincinnati -- Kroger Co. on Thursday reported a big increase in its first quarter profit and its 46th consecutive quarter of positive identical supermarket sales growth, excluding fuel.



“Our results show the power of our Customer 1st Strategy," stated Rodney McMullen, chairman and CEO, Kroger. "Our associates are making a difference for our customers by providing excellent service and product quality and selection, and we continue to improve the shopping experience by bringing technology and digital capabilities to our business.



Kroger’s profit rose a better-than-expected 23.5% to $619 million in the quarter ended May 23, from $501 million in the year ago period, amid a fall in operating expenses.



Total sales inched up 0.3% to $33.1 billion, less than expected. Same-store sales, excluding fuel, were up 5.7%.



“We are pleased with our start for the year, with identical supermarket sales growth in every department and supermarket division,” said McMullen. "Kroger has produced consistently remarkable results for so long that it might be easy for some to take a quarter like this for granted -- so it is important to emphasize it is the efforts of our incredible team of associates, connecting with customers, that is driving our success.”



McMullen noted that the chain continues improve the shopping experience by bringing technology and digital capabilities to its business.



“Our integration with Vitacost.com is going very well; we are inviting customers in Cincinnati to try ClickList, our order online, pickup at the store solution we are learning from Harris Teeter; and more customers than ever before are engaging with our digital tools, he said.