Walmart is one of the world’s leading retailers, with approximately 10,500 stores and clubs across the globe.
On the other hand, Kroger is the largest supermarket chain in the US and the second-largest general retailer after Walmart. While these two stores are the biggest competitors, how do they stack up against each other? Here’s the truth!
Kroger Vs. Walmart In 2024
Kroger and Walmart are in the same business because they specialize in providing similar products and services as of 2024. Although Walmart is bigger, both companies have several stores under their banners operating in different states across the country, making them the leading retailers in the US. However, they also have several differences that set them apart.
Keep on reading to learn more about the differences and similarities between Kroger and Walmart, who is cheaper, their services, locations, and working environment!
Kroger Vs. Walmart: What Are They Known For?
Kroger is well known for its superstores and grocery stores operating across 35 states in the US.
While most stores operate under the Kroger brand, some are subsidiaries and divisions operating under different brand names.
Also, this store offers a variety of products in all its stores. On the other hand, Walmart is known for its Supercenters, vast inventory, and low prices on products.
Since the establishment of Walmart in 1962, the store has uniquely shaped the retail industry in the US.
Kroger Vs. Walmart: Stores
While Kroger has about 2,800 grocery retail stores operating under its family of companies, Walmart has 10,500 stores and clubs under 46 banners located in 24 countries worldwide.
Further, these Kroger Stores are distributed across 35 states, mostly in the Southern and Midwest states.
Unlike Walmart, which has stores outside the US, Kroger is yet to expand to other countries.
In terms of size, Kroger stores average over 165,000 square feet, while Walmart Supercenters are usually around 182,000 square feet.
Moreover, Walmart Discount stores are about 106,000 square feet, and the Neighborhood Markets are approximately 38,000 square feet.
Kroger Vs. Walmart: Products
Kroger and Walmart have the same type of products in most stores; however, the brand, variety, and selection can vary.
When shopping at Walmart, customers can find almost every product they need. For example, Walmart Supercenters carry the following:
- Groceries
- Home goods
- Appliances
- Furniture
- Apparel
- Electronics
- Home improvement goods
- Toys
- Pet supplies
- Office supplies
- Health and wellness products
- And much more!
Additionally, many Walmart Supercenters offer in-store services like salons, banking, restaurants, oil changes, tires, and auto servicing.
On the other hand, Kroger has more than 225,000 products ranging from general merchandise to food and apparel.
In addition, the Kroger website offers almost 70,000 different products in 16 categories.
Kroger Vs. Walmart: Prices
Walmart is renowned for its low prices; therefore, most customers shop there when they need to save money.
Compared to Kroger and other retailers, Walmart is relatively cheaper, especially in terms of grocery prices.
However, Kroger is less expensive than Walmart in items such as dairy, proteins, and overall produce.
According to a survey, Walmart is actually 4% cheaper than Kroger. Although Kroger offers steep discounts on most products, organic items are still more expensive at the stores.
Further, both stores have been aggressively lowering the price of their products, but Walmart appears to be winning.
Kroger Vs. Walmart: Services
As a retail business, Kroger operates multi-departmental stores and supermarkets under several banners.
Apart from the supermarkets, Kroger also has pharmacies, chains of jewelry stores, and private brands.
On the other hand, Walmart has additional services such as banking, auto services, pharmacies, and vision centers inside select stores.
Kroger Vs. Walmart: Private Label Products
Kroger has several private label brands sold in most of its stores, including Simple Truth, Simple Truth Organic, and Heritage Farm.
Also, Walmart has private-label goods, including home décor, foodstuff, and apparel. Still, the most common ones include:
- Sam’s Choice
- Equate
- Marketside
- Mainstays
- Better Homes & Gardens
- Hyper Tough
Kroger Vs. Walmart: Subsidiaries
Since its establishment in 1883, Kroger has acquired several stores as part of the retailer’s expansion plan.
For example, these subsidiaries include marketplace stores, supermarkets, and multi-department stores.
Moreover, some of the companies owned by Kroger include:
- Fred Meyer
- Dillons
- Ralphs
- Fry’s
- Food 4 Less
- Smiths
- Harris Teeter
- Roundy’s
- King Scoopers
- City Market
- QFC
- Pick ‘n Save
- Gerbes
- Mariano’s
- Metro Market
On the other hand, Walmart operates several brands, including Sam’s Club, Hayneedle, Moosejaw, Bonobos, Art.com, Flipkart, Walmart Brazil, Asda, and Massmart.
That said, while Walmart stores are located across the world in Africa, Canada, Chile, Central America, China, India, and Mexico, all Kroger divisions are within the U.S.
Kroger Vs. Walmart: Revenue
Kroger remains the largest supermarket chain in the US; therefore, it generates a high revenue thanks to its subsidiaries.
Statistics show that in 2021, Kroger made more than $69 billion in revenue through the sale of non-perishable products.
Despite the low prices, Walmart is quite profitable. That said, based on the recent financial results in February 2022, Walmart Inc.’s sales exceeded $150 billion in Q4.
Therefore, Walmart is more profitable than Kroger stores.
Kroger Vs. Walmart: Customer Service
If you check customer reviews on Trustpilot, Kroger scores slightly higher than Walmart in terms of customer service.
That said, out of five stars, Walmart has 1.4, while Kroger has 1.6.
Further, most of the complaints are due to poor customer service, issues with the product quality, and wrong online deliveries.
Kroger Vs. Walmart: Return Policy
All Kroger stores will accept returns 30 days after delivery or purchase. Also, you can either return the products in-store to the nearest Kroger location or send them back via mail.
According to the return policy, you must have the original receipt for a full refund or exchange, and the product should be in the original packaging.
On the other hand, Walmart has a 90-day return period. Moreover, you can either take the items to the store, send them via mail for free, or schedule a pick-up from your home.
Is It Better To Work For Kroger Or Walmart?
Kroger had about 465,000 employees in 2021, while Walmart had 2.3 million employees globally, with 1.6 million in the US.
So, if you compare the work environments based on employee feedback on Comparably, Walmart has a better rating than Kroger.
However, both receive some complaints about the overall culture, pay, and benefits that employees get.
To know more, you can also read our posts on Kroger vs Publix, Kroger vs Whole Foods, and Kroger competitors.
Conclusion
Kroger and Walmart are in the same business because they specialize in providing similar types of products and services.
Although Walmart is bigger, both companies have a vast number of stores under their banners operating in different states across the country, making them the leading retailers in the US.