CINCINNATI, OH - Kroger recently announced that its new digital headquarters will be located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Two buildings will house approximately 600 Kroger digital associates, but the company noted that it hopes to grow its digital team to more than 1,000 associates over the subsequent three years.
"We decided to locate Kroger's Digital HQ here because we love Cincinnati," said Rodney McMullen, Chairman and CEO. "We believe growing our digital team here will support Cincinnati becoming a destination for digital and tech talent."
Starting in July, Kroger will begin moving about 500 existing digital jobs from Blue Ash, Ohio, and approximately 100 from its general offices on Vine St., to Cincinnati.
"Kroger is creating a seamless shopping environment so customers can choose how to engage with us, both in-store and online, because the future of retail will include both physical and digital experiences," said Yael Cosset, Chief Digital Officer. "As part of Restock Kroger, our plan to redefine the grocery customer experience, we are investing in innovative digital and technology infrastructure. Our new Digital HQ is an important step on our journey to create a truly seamless shopping environment."
As we’ve previously reported, Kroger has announced its partnership with online grocery supermarket Ocado and acquired Home Chef to grow its digital business. Last week, Kroger reported that its first quarter digital sales had grown by 66% and that its existing seamless coverage area now reaches approximately 75% of its customers. This includes its network of ClickList locations, stores offering home delivery through Instacart and other partners, and ship-to-home capabilities. According to a press release, Kroger's goal is to reach 100% of its customers across America with the seamless experience.
"All the changes we are making to transform our business will make it even easier for families to share meals together," added McMullen. "This business strategy enables us to live our Kroger purpose, because we know that families who share meals together have children who do better in all aspects of their lives.
In Cincinnati, Kroger Technology partners with the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber's Cincy is IT initiative to attract top tech talent to the region. The company also supports Cincinnati-based Cintrifuse—a public-private partnership established to drive the next phase of growth for the Midwest region through innovation enabled and delivered by startups—by sponsoring an executive-in-residence.
"Kroger is a phenomenal corporate partner to the city," stated Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley. "Bringing these jobs to the urban core will enable our city and region to grow as a hub for digital technology. Kroger continues to double-down on its commitment to the future of Cincinnati."
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