As a long-time home improvement professional and resident of Washington state, I often get asked whether we have Kroger grocery stores here. While you won’t find the traditional Kroger banner, the company does operate over 200 stores across Washington under its Fred Meyer and QFC subsidiaries. Below I’ll share insider knowledge about Kroger’s offerings and why they could expand in the Pacific Northwest.
No Traditional Krogers – But Plenty of Fred Meyer and QFCs
Let’s start by clearing up a common misconception – there are no Kroger-branded grocery stores located in Washington state. However, Kroger maintains a strong presence through two popular regional chains it has acquired:
Fred Meyer – Founded 1930 in Portland, OR. Purchased by Kroger 1998. 130+ locations across WA offering groceries, apparel, home goods, jewelry, electronics.
QFC – Founded 1955 in Seattle, WA. Purchased by Kroger 1998. 60+ locations in WA. Known for customer service and local produce.
In my opinion, Fred Meyer and QFC do such a great job catering to Pacific Northwest shoppers that Kroger hasn’t felt the need to introduce their own stores. The wide selection and low prices keep customers coming back.
As a home renovator myself, I appreciate that both chains carry the equipment, tools, and supplies I need for projects around the house. And the fuel rewards don’t hurt either!
Kroger‘s Growing National Footprint
While Kroger has focused on regional chains in the Northwest, they operate over 2,800 stores under their own banner across 35 states. With $122 billion in sales in 2019, Kroger ranks as the 3rd largest retailer in America.
Kroger‘s Top Markets:
- Texas – 350 stores
- Ohio – 200 stores
- Michigan – 150 stores
- Indiana – 140 stores
Beyond its Midwest roots, Kroger continues to expand on both coasts. The grocer now has locations as far west as Las Vegas and Reno, NV and as far east as Virginia Beach, VA.
How Kroger Compares to Other Retail Giants:
| Company | 2021 Revenue | Store Count |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | $573B | 11,500 |
| Amazon | $386B | – |
| Costco | $192B | 800 |
| Kroger | $132B | 2,800 |
| Albertsons | $71B | 2,200 |
While smaller than Walmart and Amazon, Kroger holds its own by focusing on convenient neighborhood grocery stores with quality products and low prices.
Inside the Largest Kroger Store
Curious to see a Kroger supermarket on steroids? Check out their store in Holdenville, Oklahoma spanning an astonishing 101,000 square feet. To put that into perspective, the average Kroger is only 60,000 square feet.
This mega-Kroger contains:
- Huge selection of organic, international, and specialty foods
- In-store Starbucks and pharmacy
- Fred Meyer jewelry store
- Apparel and home goods sections
- Ample parking and quick checkout lanes
As someone who loves cooking for my family, a Kroger of this size would let me explore and experiment with new flavors from around the world. The vast space allows them to carry a much wider range of products.
What Does the Future Hold for Kroger in Washington?
As Kroger continues expanding west, could they someday open full-size Kroger stores right here in Washington? I think it’s very possible.
While they already have a strong presence through Fred Meyer and QFC, introducing the Kroger brand could help them compete with names like Safeway and Albertsons. The company recently opened Kroger-branded stores in neighboring Oregon, so Washington could be next!
Here are a few factors that support Kroger growth in the Pacific Northwest:
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Increasing Population – Washington is the fastest growing state in the Northwest, fueling grocery demand.
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Foodie Culture – Shoppers here expect quality and variety – perfect for Kroger‘s specialty offerings.
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Experienced Workforce – Kroger‘s existing stores provide a pool of talented associates to staff new locations.
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Low Fuel Prices – Kroger‘s fuel centers help attract budget-conscious drivers.
As both a home improvement pro and avid home chef, I would welcome more Kroger stores in Washington. Their competitive prices, excellent customer service, and ever-expanding selection make them my go-to grocery destination. While Fred Meyer and QFC already serve shoppers well here, a recognized brand like Kroger could be a major hit.
