| The Kroger Co. is a retailer in the United States. The Company also manufactures and processes some of the food for sale in its supermarkets. As of January 29, 2011, the Company operated 2,460 supermarket and multi-department stores under banners, which included Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's. Of these stores, 1,014 had fuel centers. In addition to the supermarkets, as of January 29, 2011, the Company operated through subsidiaries 784 convenience stores and 361 fine jewelry stores. All of its fine jewelry stores located in malls are operated in leased locations. In addition, 87 convenience stores were operated through franchise agreements. Approximately 52% of the convenience stores operated by subsidiaries were operated in Company-owned facilities. The convenience stores offer a limited assortment of staple food items and general merchandise and, in most cases, sell gasoline. |
