Cost-cutting move extends to some 2,000 employees

CINCINNATI — Kroger Co. announced it is offering a voluntary retirement option for up to 2,000 non-store associates in a cost-cutting move.

“Kroger would not be the successful company it is today without the incredible efforts of all of our associates. We believe a generous voluntary retirement offering is in line with our company values and recognizes the long careers many of our associates have had with Kroger,” Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement on Thursday. “Kroger is committed to our operating model of lowering costs to invest in the areas that matter most to our customers.”

Kroger said employees have until March to decide whether to accept the buyout offer.

Kroger said the decision to offer the buyouts is consistent with the company’s Customer 1^st strategy of achieving cost controls in areas where customers do not see them in order to invest in areas that improve Kroger’s connection with customers and associates.

Eligibility for the voluntary retirement offering will generally include administrative associates who meet certain criteria related to age and years of service as of December 1, the company announced. The offer does not include store and district associates, senior officers, and supermarket division presidents.