It’s hard to pick when we have to decide between two reputable stores. We feel stuck when it comes to the Kroger vs Meijer battle because it’s like trying to choose between two favorite football players. But do you know what’s the best solution? The easiest solution is to make a list and distinguish them based on the things that you can never compromise on.
You can compare them based on the variety of products they offer, their locations, and their prices. Other comparison features may include the online services they offer, discounts and special deals, the quality of their produce, etc.
So, this guide will help you see which store meets your preferences and needs better. We will explore everything you need to know about Kroger and Meijer so that you can make an informed decision before your next visit.
Let’s begin!
Which Is Economical, Kroger vs Meijer?
Kroger is cheaper, with 10x more stores (over 2000) than Meijer, which has 265 stores in only 6 US states. But Kroger has low-quality produce compared to Meijer. If you want to go for the cheapest grocery option, Kroger is the best one to consider for economical grocery shopping.
Kroger is also a pretty budget-friendly choice for buying fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and dry goods like salsa, brown sugar, white rice, etc.
If we do a Kroger vs Meijer cake contest, Kroger wins here again with $25.99 for a quarter-sheet cake. In Contrast, Meijer costs $27.99 for a quarter sheet.
So, if you have a sweet tooth and you can’t resist rose and daisy sheet cake with sweet raspberry filling, then Kroger is a go-to brand for bargain hunters.
Moreover, you should also check out Kroger deals. With seasonal sales and discounts, you can make the most out of Kroger shopping.
Hence, affordability and the greater number of stores enhance Kroger’s purchasing power and give it leverage over Meijer.
Things You Need to Know About Kroger Grocery Store & Meijer Grocery Store
According to a US Percentage of worldwide retail sales of top retailers in the US in 2022, 100% of the Kroger and Meijer Company’s retail sales were generated within the US, with 0% international sales.
The blue color indicates US sales, whereas the black color indicates international sales.
The above data indicates that both Kroger and Meijer are among the leading and biggest retail stores in the US.
Kroger vs Meijer – Detailed Comparison
Now, let’s distinguish Kroger vs Meijer with more detailed information. In this section, we will get to know about the total locations of both stores, their important features, and the Kroger vs Meijer price comparison.
| Criteria | Kroger | Meijer |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 1883 | 1934 |
| Headquarters | Cincinnati, Ohio | Grand Rapids, Michigan |
| Total No. of Stores | 2,719 | 265 |
| Number of States | 35 | 6 |
| Company Deals In | Groceries, Household Items, Cleaning Supplies, Personal Care Products, Beverages, Condiments | Groceries, Household, Cleaning, Personal Care, Beer and Wines, Pet Care, Stationeries, Apparel, Jewelry, Toys, Electronics |
| Revenue (2022) | $137.888B | $19.6B |
| Employee Benefits | Insurance (dental, health, life), Free Counseling, College Scholarships, Pension Plans, Tuition Benefits, Financial Help, Training | Insurance (life, dental, vision), Paid Parental Leave, Educational Assistance, Paid Holidays, Saving Accounts, Retirement Plans, Employee Discounts on Store Items |
| Deals for the Customers | Cashback Coupons, Digital Coupons, Smith Reward Visa Card (free groceries four times per year), Deals on Products | Buy & Save Offers, Online Coupons, Buy 1 Get 1 Free, |
| Payment Methods | SNAP/EBT Cards, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Cash, WIC Cards, Personal Checks | Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Credits Cards, Debit Cards |
| Online Shopping | Kroger.com or Mobile App | Meijer.com or Mobile App |
| Operating Hours | 6 am – 12 am (Mon-Sun) 24-hour service at some stores | 6 am – 12 am (Mon – Sun) |
| Delivery/Pickup Services | Instacart Delivery, Curbside Pickup | Instacart Delivery, Curbside Pickup |
| Store Policies | Policies (Return, safety, business ethics) | Policies (Safety, business ethics, return, and refund) |
| Checkout Lines | Fast | Slow |
| Produce Items Price (per week) | $12.57 | $13.36 |
| Dry Items Price (per week) | $36.41 | $40.95 |
| Frozen Foods Price (per week) | $1.25 | $0.89 |
| Deli/Meat Products Price (per week) | $26.29 | $23.58 |
| Dairy Items Price (per week) | $15.55 | $17.10 |
| Total Prices (per week) | $92.07 | $95.88 |
| Meat Quality | Better | Poor |
| Quality Produce | Low-Quality | High-Quality |
| Affordability | Cheaper | Expensive |
Which Store Is Overpriced, Kroger vs. Meijer?
If you see the above data in the table, it’s pretty clear that Meijer is overpriced compared to Kroger. The reason is that Meijer has a wider product selection than Kroger. It not only deals in groceries but also offers a variety of other items like clothes, shoes, home appliances, beauty products, and many more.
Which Is the One-Stop Shop, Kroger vs Meijer?
Meijer is a one-stop shop because here, you can find a wide range of non-grocery items. Customers can purchase multiple products from one place without paying unnecessary visits to different suppliers. Meijer provides all kinds of products under one roof. So, it’s both convenient and time-saving. Hence, it’s a well-rounded retail hub than Kroger.
Kroger Own Meijer – Is It True?
No, it is not true! Kroger does own many other stores under its name, like Fred Meyer. But it doesn’t own Meijer. Both Meijer and Kroger are one of the most renowned supermarket chains in the US. Both stores have their separate locations in different states of the US.
Meijer is a privately owned big-box retailer. Kroger has nothing to do with Meijer. Meijer has 265 stores operating in 6 US states, with the highest number of locations (123) in Michigan. The Michigan number makes up 46% of all Meijer stores in the US.
All 265 Meijer stores are operating in the following six states of the US:
- Michigan (123 stores)
- Ohio (51 stores)
- Indiana (42 stores)
- Illinois (26 stores)
- Wisconsin (12 stores)
- Kentucky (11 stores)
Kroger vs Meijer shows competition, and they do compete in their respective markets. But they both are separate entities.
According to Statista, Kroger is the largest hypermarket chain in the US and the 2nd largest overall retailer after Walmart. In Contrast, Meijer is among the biggest independently-owned grocery retailers in the US.
Which Is Better for Online Grocery Shopping, Meijer or Kroger?
For online grocery shopping, it’s a tie. Both Kroger and Meijer offer remarkable online grocery shopping and delivery services. Both stores provide quite a smooth and simple ordering process. You can also get your groceries delivered as fast as in an hour with the Instacart delivery app.
Kroger Instacart delivery charges are $9.95 per grocery order. In comparison, Meijer Instacart delivery costs $3.99 for same-day orders over $35. These charges are applicable to those who do not have Instacart membership.
What Is Unique About Meijer?
Meijer is known for quality and fresh products, good customer service, and a wide selection of items. Its shelves are always fully stocked with a variety of products. Meijer has two lines of fresh produce: Meijer Naturals and Meijer Organic. The latter one is USDA-certified.
Which Store is Better, Meijer or Kroger?
If you want to save time, energy and fuel, then a Meijer store is better than Kroger to shop everything in one place. It also has remarkable produce with a large organic selection. Meijer produce selection is mainly from local sources.
So, if you want to support your local farmer’s business without breaking the bank, then go for Meijer.
However, if you are a budget shopper, then Kroger is your go-to place for affordable grocery shopping. It’s a cheaper option than Meijer. Kroger is easy to access as it has more than 2000 stores in 35 states of the US. It has many department stores with its private label, Fred Meyer.
It also has many private brands besides its flagship. These brands include Smith’s, Dillons, Ralphs, King Soopers, Metro Market, Owen’s, Mariano’s, Harris Teeter, Jay C, Baker’s, QFC, Pay Less, Fry’s, Metro Market, Gerbes, and Pick ‘n Save.
So, Kroger is the best choice for standard groceries and fresh quality meat certified by USDA.
Who Are Kroger’s Biggest Competitors?
Kroger’s biggest competitors include:
Who Are Meijer’s Biggest Competitors?
Meijer’s biggest competitors are:
- Sam’s Club
- SUPERVALU
- Costco
- Ingles Market
- Trader Joe’s
- Jewel Osco
Which Store Is Better to Work At, Kroger or Meijer?
If we compare both stores as per employee’s viewpoint, then it breaks down into several parameters. Some factors make Kroger stand out, while others declare Meijer a leading brand. Let’s look into these factors.
| Criteria | Kroger | Meijer |
|---|---|---|
| Average Estimated Salary | $68 per hour | $63 per hour |
| CEO Rating | 50% | 62% |
| Overall Culture | 57% | 60% |
| Employee Diversity Score | 63% | 59% |
| Perk & Benefits | 57% | 62% |
| Professional Development | 48% | 41% |
This feedback was provided by 3,009 Kroger employees & customers and 1,054 Meijer employees & customers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Bottom Line
In this article, we have covered almost all the important things about Kroger vs Meijer. From their affordability to feature comparisons to their competitors to employees and customer reviews, we have covered everything. Both Kroger and Meijer have their own pros and cons.
Kroger is better for everyday grocery shopping at lower prices. Meijer is an excellent option for a one-stop shopping experience. So, choose one that suits your requirements!