Does Kroger Own Meijer in 2024?

Kroger and Meijer: Retail Powerhouses with Distinct Histories

Kroger operates over 2,700 supermarkets across 35 states, cementing itself as the largest grocer and second largest retailer in the U.S. Meijer also holds an outsized presence specifically in the Midwest, with over 250 supercenters across 6 states.

While the size and selection at these retail giants may appear similar to shoppers, Kroger and Meijer have notably distinct histories and ownership structures:

Founding and Store History

Despite being founded 51 years later in 1934 by Hendrik Meijer, Meijer has rapidly expanded its supercenter store concept but remains focused in the Midwest region rather than expanding nationally like Kroger.

Ownership Structure

• Kroger: Publicly-traded company
• Meijer: Privately-owned by Meijer family

This key difference in ownership results in vastly different corporate and expansion strategies between the two grocery giants.

The Bottom Line: No, Kroger Does Not Own Meijer

With their distinct histories and ownership structures maintaining control under the Meijer family, Kroger does not own or have any control over the privately-held Meijer corporation. The two grocery chains operate independently despite their similarly massive presence across Midwest and U.S. retail landscapes.

Comparing Key Aspects of the Major Grocery Retail Rivals

From product selection to pricing and services, Kroger and Meijer show key differences:

Product Selection and Offerings

Meijer stores provide “one-stop” shopping with far more general retail merchandise categories while Kroger focuses much more narrowly on the grocery segment.

Pricing and Loyalty Programs

• Kroger pricing aims to compete on value with 25-30% lower prices than key competitors
• Meijer runs pricing specials but everyday prices average about 8% higher than Kroger
• Both chains offer varied loyalty discounts and savings/fuel rewards

Digital Offerings and Services

• Kroger: Online ordering, delivery, self-checkout
• Meijer: Curbside pickup, specialty in-store amenities like pharmacies and salons

Policies: Price Matching and Returns

• Neither retailer price matches other chains
• Items purchased at one store cannot be returned at the other

So if you’re used to Meijer’s expansive selection, specialty in-store services, and Midwest roots, you generally can’t expect the same offerings from the more value-focused, nationally-spanning Kroger brand – and vice versa. The two grocery giants remain distinctly competitive in the changing retail landscape.

The Meijer Advantage: Local, Specialty Offerings

As a Midwest shopper comparing retailers, it helps to recognize Meijer’s differences as a regional, family-owned chain:

• Hundreds more local, specialty and organic items curated for each store’s community
• Unique services like pharmacies, nutritionists, and salons in each store
• Significant fuel rewards and discounts redeemable across its stations

Loyal Midwest shoppers have embraced the Meijer supercenter model and offerings tailored specifically to enhance their local shopping experience.

Kroger Sticks to Value, Variety in National Grocery Vision

Meanwhile, Kroger serves its role for American shoppers seeking reliable grocery value and convenience:

• Everyday low pricing discounted up to 30% versus competitors
• Incredible 14,000 private label items offering affordable variety
• Growing digital convenience via delivery, self-checkout and competitive fuel points

As Kroger and Meijer advance grocery retail along differing paths locally versus nationally, shoppers win by gaining more customized experiences. But it’s clear these Midwest heroes stay distinctly divided in ownership and strategy while working to improve our evolving shopping journeys.