A Supermarket News LinkedIn poll found 46% of respondents blamed market conditions for Kroger’s recent foot-traffic decline, while 24% said the grocer has focused too heavily on e-commerce.
Another 15% said Kroger lacks enough sale items, pointing to pricing pressure as shoppers weigh value more carefully.
Comments tied the slump to store-level problems, including long checkout lines, weak produce freshness and an overall shopping experience some said has deteriorated.
Several readers also argued Kroger has lost focus and loyalty as shoppers shift toward niche grocery formats such as ethnic and health-conscious stores.