CINCINNATI --The Kroger Co. has announced the opening of three new fuel centers--in Abingdon, Va., Decatur, Ga., and Louisville, Ky.--that bring the company's fuel center locations total to 2,000.
Kroger operates 1,275 supermarket fuel centers and 725 convenience stores with fuel. Combined, the company sells fuel in 37 states and is the third-largest owner-operator of fuel centers in the United States.
Earlier this summer, a Market Force survey of 5,300 U.S. consumers found that Kroger is America's favorite gasoline retailer.
"Our fuel program is so convenient, so easy, and offers so much value that our customers love it," said Mike Ellis, Kroger's president and chief operating officer.
Customers can earn one fuel point for every $1 in groceries that they purchase, redeemable in nearly all supermarket fuel centers and convenience store, as well as at participating Shell gas stations.
Kroger began selling gasoline at supermarket fuel centers in late 1998. By 2004, the company operated 500 supermarket fuel locations, and grew to 1,000 in 2010. Today, Kroger operates supermarket fuel centers in every supermarket division.
Kroger has been selling gasoline at convenience stores since 1983, when its merger with Dillons included Dillons' convenience store business. Dillons had been operating Kwik Shop convenience stores since 1960, which began selling fuel in 1972. Today Kroger operates convenience store fuel locations in 19 states under five banners: Kwik Shop, Loaf 'N Jug, Quik Stop, Tom Thumb and Turkey Hill Minit Markets.
Cincinnati-based Kroger, one of the world's largest retailers, has 2,638 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia under two-dozen local banners including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Harris Teeter, Jay C, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's. The company also operates 785 convenience stores and 324 jewelry stores.
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