Kroger to hire 500 employees over the weekend

Stephanie Spangler-Opdyke, Human Resources Manager, The Kroger Co. of Michigan, shared that their company is seeking friendly, hard-working associates for a variety of positions, with many jobs available in their Pickup teams. 

As of 25th May 2019, Kroger operates, either directly or through its subsidiaries, 2,760 supermarkets and multi-department stores. Presently it employs over 18,000 associates and operates 120 Kroger stores plus the Michigan Dairy. In May, the company had also announced that it would pour $97 Mn into renovations and new stores in Michigan. 

Now moving further towards executing its expansion plan, the Cincinnati-based grocery chain is geared to go on a hiring spree. These hirings will take place over the weekend through job fairs. The jobseekers will undergo the entire hiring process in job fairs scheduled at all of Kroger’s 120 locations across the state. This is not the first time that Kroger has gone on a bulk hiring spree. The company held a similar hiring event the same time last year. The compensation for those jobs ranged from $9.25 to $11 per hour. 

As per several reports, the U.S. grocery industry is undergoing its most significant transformation in modern history. This shift is putting a massive amount of pressure on established retailers and CPG products sold on their shelves. However, Kroger has some competitive edge as it remains one of the market leaders along with Walmart, according to GlobalData. But the  dominance of these giants will also be challenged as 2020 approaches. The increased competition from overseas, the fight for low prices, and the growth of online are some of the elements that will shape the industry’s future. The business models are already being challenged. The way retail chains present and deliver their products is being questioned. 

Technology and competition have finally pushed the long-dormant grocery industry into a necessary period of change. Amidst such competition and in such a volatile market, how Kroger maintains its edge and innovates its stores and services as per current consumer needs will be to look forward to. The other interesting aspect to follow shall be how these yearly hiring sprees work out for the company. As training the old and the new hires to face the emerging challenges in the industry shall remain critical for Kroger’s business and its success in the future.