A Kroger Mega is a large format grocery store operated by The Kroger Company. Kroger Mega stores are significantly larger than a typical Kroger store and offer an expanded selection of food and merchandise.
When did Kroger Mega stores first open?
The first Kroger Mega store opened in Snellville, Georgia in 1998. The Snellville store encompassed 140,000 square feet and offered expanded grocery, deli, bakery, pharmacy, and natural foods departments compared to a typical Kroger store. Following the success of the first location, Kroger began opening additional Mega stores across the Southeast and Midwest markets where Kroger operated.
How big are Kroger Mega stores?
Kroger Mega stores typically range from 100,000 – 200,000 square feet in size. To provide some perspective on the size, a typical Kroger Marketplace store is around 100,000 square feet while a typical grocery store is 30,000 – 40,000 square feet. So a Kroger Mega can be up to 4-5 times larger than an average grocery store.
Some key facts on the size of Kroger Mega stores:
- The largest Kroger Mega is the Kroger Marketplace in Knoxville, TN which encompasses 200,000 square feet.
- A typical Kroger Mega ranges between 125,000 – 175,000 square feet.
- The expanded space allows Kroger Mega stores to carry around 50,000 items compared to 30,000 items at a standard Kroger.
- Kroger Mega stores feature wide aisles up to 15 feet across to accommodate the increase in foot traffic.
What’s offered at a Kroger Mega?
The defining feature of a Kroger Mega is the greatly expanded selection across all departments compared to a typical Kroger store. Some key departments and services include:
Grocery
The grocery section features an enormous selection of dry goods, canned goods, spices, baking ingredients, frozen foods, organic foods, international foods and more. The Kroger Mega has significantly more varieties of items in categories like soup, cereal, snacks and frozen meals.
Fresh Produce
The produce department sprawls across a large section toward the front of the store. You’ll find a bountiful selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, including expanded organic and international produce. Exotic and rare specialty produce are routinely stocked.
Butcher & Seafood
The butcher counter and seafood department are quite impressive at a Kroger Mega. You’ll find premium beef, pork, poultry and lamb. The seafood department will have live lobster tanks along with a deep selection of fresh fish and shellfish.
Deli & Bakery
The deli features a foot bar with olives, pickled items and freshly prepared salads. The bakery has an expansive offering of fresh-baked breads, bagels, pastries, cakes and pies. Custom-order cakes are available.
Wine & Spirits
Many Kroger Mega locations have an onsite liquor store featuring wine, beer and spirits. Even stores without the attached liquor store will have an impressive wine selection.
Pharmacy
The pharmacy stocks all prescription medications and features an assortment of over the counter medicines, health aids and wellness products. Additional services include in-store clinics, immunizations and compounding pharmacy.
Home & Garden
This department stocks hardware, small appliances, home goods, outdoor furniture, grills, gardening tools, plants and everything for home and garden. Selection is vastly larger than a typical Kroger.
Pets
The pet department features food, treats, toys and accessories for dogs, cats, reptiles, fish and birds. You’ll find premium pet foods along with a self-service dog wash station at most locations.
Clothing & Goods
Many Kroger Mega stores have a selection of clothing, shoes, jewelry, seasonal items, books/media, auto accessories and more. Basically like a department store combined with a grocery store.
Prepared Meals & Fuel Center
Numerous prepared meal options include pizza, fried chicken, deli sandwiches, Asian food, barbecue, salads, sides and meal kits. Most locations also have a fuel station for convenient one-stop shopping.
Unique services and amenities
In addition to greatly expanded food and merchandise selections, Kroger Mega stores bring a more premium shopping experience with these special services and features:
Coffee shop
An in-store Starbucks, Caribou Coffee or local coffee shop. Enjoy a latte while grocery shopping!
Wine bar
A classy spot to enjoy a glass of wine either before or while shopping.
Sushi station
Freshly prepared sushi made on-site.
Event space
Open space that can be reserved for cooking classes, food tastings, kids activities, community events and more.
Onsite dietitian
A registered dietitian is available for personalized nutrition counseling and advice.
Cooking classes
Instructional cooking classes showcase recipes and products found throughout the store.
Curbside pickup
Shop online and have groceries delivered right to your vehicle.
Home delivery
Newer locations offer home delivery powered by Instacart. Get groceries delivered right to your doorstep.
Mobile app
Browse products, clip digital coupons, view weekly ads and shop online through the Kroger mobile app.
Gas rewards
Earn fuel points with purchases that can be redeemed for discounts at the fuel station.
Top 10 Largest Kroger Mega Stores
Here are the 10 biggest Kroger Mega stores, with square footage:
Knoxville, TN (Turkey Creek) – 200,000 sq ft
This is the largest Kroger store ever built at 200,000 square feet with a fuel center and liquor store. Opened in 2020.
Indianapolis, IN (116th St) – 183,000 sq ft
Sprawling Midwest flagship store with extensive prepared foods.
Las Vegas, NV (Rainbow Blvd) – 180,000 sq ft
Major shopping destination on the north end of the Vegas strip.
Beavercreek, OH – 175,000 sq ft
Cincinnati’s largest Kroger store with expanded organic and natural selection.
Louisville, KY (Springhurst) – 172,000 sq ft
Prominent Louisville-area store off Gene Snyder freeway.
Littleton, CO – 165,000 sq ft
One of the first Mega stores & the largest in Colorado.
Indianapolis, IN (Michigan Rd) – 164,000 sq ft
Sprawling northside Indy store. Fuel, wine & large pet department.
Cincinnati, OH (Fields Ertel) – 155,000 sq ft
Iconic Kroger store for the hometown Cincinnati market.
Houston, TX (FM 1960) – 150,000 sq ft
Major Kroger store serving NW Houston suburbs.
Las Vegas, NV (Blue Diamond) – 150,000 sq ft
Prominent Southwest Las Vegas location. Fuel center.
Where are Kroger Mega stores located?
Kroger currently operates around 130 Mega stores in the following states:
- Texas – 31 locations
- Georgia – 20 locations
- Ohio – 18 locations
- Indiana – 15 locations
- Virginia – 11 locations
- Colorado – 9 locations
- Tennessee – 7 locations
- Nevada – 6 locations
- Kentucky – 5 locations
- Utah – 3 locations
- Missouri – 2 locations
- Kansas – 1 location
- Louisiana – 1 location
- South Carolina – 1 location
Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana and Virginia have the most Kroger Mega stores. The stores are primarily concentrated in the South and Midwest where Kroger has historically had a strong presence.
As Kroger continues to expand the Mega store concept, expect to see more locations sprouting up across existing Kroger markets.
Mega store vs. Marketplace: What’s the difference?
Kroger operates two large store formats – Mega and Marketplace. While both offer an expansive shopping experience, there are some key differences between the two models:
| Kroger Mega | Kroger Marketplace |
|---|---|
| 125,000 – 200,000 sq ft | 100,000 – 140,000 sq ft |
| Primary focus is food | Balanced food & general merchandise |
| Larger specialty departments like seafood, deli, bakery | Expanded apparel, goods, toys, home |
| Some have attached fuel centers | Typically no fuel centers |
| Limited general merchandise selection | Next-level general merchandise selection |
| Prepared meals & food services | Select locations only |
To summarize:
– Mega stores are larger in square footage compared to Marketplace
– Mega focus is more on food selections and specialty departments
– Marketplace balances food and merchandise, with bigger general retail offerings
– Mega stores typically have fuel centers which Marketplace locations generally do not
– Both provide an expansive, premium one-stop shopping experience
The Rise of Mega Stores
The advent of the Kroger Mega store concept in the late 90s paralleled the rise of big box retail stores like Walmart Supercenters, Target and Meijer expanding into grocery across the country. These big box stores featured considerably larger footprints and selections compared to traditional supermarkets.
To compete, grocers responded by going big. Chains like Kroger, Albertsons and HEB introduced larger mega-sized locations. These stores allowed grocers to increase their product selection, add amenities, and turn grocery shopping into a destination experience.
While mega stores carry higher operating costs, grocers reap benefits such as:
- Ability to draw customers from a wider geographic area
- Increased customer time spent in store
- Higher transaction totals and basket sizes
- Opportunity to capture more wallet share beyond just grocery
- Destinational shopping experience brings in more foot traffic
- Added offerings improve customer retention
The mega store format appeals to modern customers who desire convenience, quality products, and a rewarding shopping experience all under one roof.
Challenges facing mega stores
While mega stores have found success, they also face some challenges including:
- Higher operating costs from additional labor, utilities and other expenses
- Pressure on grocers’ already thin profit margins
- Fierce competition from supercenters and wholesale clubs
- Rapid growth of online grocery shopping and delivery
- Potential market saturation as more mega stores continue opening
To stay ahead, grocers must keep their mega stores clean, modern, and engaging while finding the optimal mix between brick-and-mortar and digital offerings.
The Future of Mega Stores
The outlook for mega stores remains strong despite challenges from e-commerce and shifting consumer preferences. Why?
- Grocery remains an experiential category where freshness, quality and selection matter.
- Many customers still prefer shopping in-person to personally select meat, produce, etc.
- Mega stores drive larger basket sizes and customer spend.
- In-store dining and food services appeal to time-pressed shoppers.
- Digital natives enjoy mega store amenities like coffee shops and wine bars.
- Omnichannel integration with buy-online-pickup-in-store and delivery.
Grocers will likely continue expanding their mega store footprints but make adjustments by:
- Rightsizing new locations to optimize profitability.
- Enhancing in-store experiences through exclusives and events.
- Investing more in prepared foods and premium selections.
- Improving integration of online ordering for delivery/pickup.
- Adding technology like self-checkout and smart shelves.
- Focusing mega stores in strategic high-density locations.
The result will be fewer total mega store projects but the locations that are built will be highly refined. Less about total size – more about maximizing sales per square foot.
Done right, the mega store model has staying power. Customers new and old will continue to value an incredible in-person food shopping experience paired with the convenience of online fulfillment options.
Kroger appears committed to the mega store format and will be pushing the envelope on the model with new tech and culinary innovations. The local Kroger Mega store will remain a go-to community attraction for years to come.
Conclusion
Kroger Mega stores offer customers an unparalleled food shopping experience through their massive size and extensive offerings. These giant grocery stores provide everything from chef-prepared meals to clothing and home goods – going well beyond typical groceries. As Kroger continues expanding its mega store fleet, expect to see these local giants increase their footprint across the country. With omnichannel integration and a refined focus on experience, Kroger Mega stores will cement themselves as the ultimate one-stop grocery shopping destination for years to come.
