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Kroger

January 28, 2026 03:19PM
I was told by the scheduler that they will not be returning. They will only have indoor shops as of right now.
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January 28, 2026 03:35PM
If you are familiar with my posts, you know I am neither a cheerleader nor an alarmist. It is my opinion the new form is a definite improvement. 2 additions are to check on the stock of steaks/roasts and retain the notes for 6 mos. As Jas. mentioned, the minimum visit time is now 1/2 hr.; that might be a sore point for some shoppers. On my end, it is not the slightest problem, BUT, for younger folks who move at a faster pace AND are not searching for flavor enhanced produce/meat/deli products, it could be a stretch. I have read posts claiming to be out in 15 mins. Those shoppers will be experiencing a 50% hourly pay cut.
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January 28, 2026 03:49PM
Emails they would post at 9am (not sure what timezone) but it's 9:40CT/10:40ET now and nothing has posted for me.
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January 28, 2026 04:17PM
I wish whoever makes the instructions would proofread and change the reimbursement to $10 rather than $9-which it has been for quite some time! Seems shoppers are held to high standards whereas simple errors on the part of the MSC remain! As the the associate in the meat, produce and deli area asking what you are making for dinner, where to find something- am I correct in my assumption that the MSC wants you to try and engage the employee? I cannot imagine an employee starting a conversation about what you are making without dinner or where to find something without the shopper starting an interaction. Do you all agree with this? No employee will out of the blue ask a shopper standing 6 feet from them what they are making for dinner without the shopper starting an interaction. Any comments?

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/28/2026 04:18PM by Fatlady.
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January 28, 2026 04:34PM
i noticed the new purchase requirements changed to 3 items with unique UPCs; be careful shopping if you were used to just stocking up on a sale item and staying within the pay+reimbursement amount.

i suppose you could navigate around that by getting 3 of the same sale item and then one jalapeño and one tomato or something similar.
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January 28, 2026 04:41PM
Charley the 3 items with unique UPC's is not new. It was that way with the previous requirements.
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January 28, 2026 04:47PM
A good way to get around the 3 different UPCs if you want to buy 3 of the same UPC item is to pick up a banana and a Roma tomato or a clove garlic. Those items are low cos and also show that you indeed visit he produce Dept!
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January 28, 2026 04:57PM
I agree, bananas are low cost and a great way to reach the $10 reimbursement. I buy canned chicken and the one I buy has 2 different sizes, so I'll get one of each size to get 2 different UPC's.
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January 28, 2026 05:06PM
@Fatlady wrote:

I wish whoever makes the instructions would proofread and change the reimbursement to $10 rather than $9-which it has been for quite some time! Seems shoppers are held to high standards whereas simple errors on the part of the MSC remain! As the the associate in the meat, produce and deli area asking what you are making for dinner, where to find something- am I correct in my assumption that the MSC wants you to try and engage the employee? I cannot imagine an employee starting a conversation about what you are making without dinner or where to find something without the shopper starting an interaction. Do you all agree with this? No employee will out of the blue ask a shopper standing 6 feet from them what they are making for dinner without the shopper starting an interaction. Any comments?
I REALLY like this change. It gives much more room for reading body language. Do they appear available to offer assistance? In other words, you walk up nearby and start examining produce. Act indecisive. See if they look at you and smile or ask if they can help you find something... literally anything other than avoiding interaction. Now, the guy who is stocking apples and moves his cart with a smile so I can get to them is a pass. Before, I would need to mark eye contact and smile but no greeting and then wait for the follow up question asking about his behavior. The associate who is straightening a display and doesn't even look up when you have a conversation with another customer a couple feet from her about how difficult it is to know when a honeydew is good? Intentional avoidance. Fail. I don't care that she doesn't know either, she could glance up and agree that it's difficult but they have a guarantee, bring it back if it's not good.
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January 28, 2026 05:19PM
The way I deal with the 3 different UPCs is to buy 3 of the sale items that are slightly different. They do the 3 salad kits for $11.00 often. So I buy 3 different salad kits, Southwest, Buffalo, and Steakhouse Wedge. 3 different UPCs, same sale. over $9. Or I go to the canned meat section and buy 3 different tuna packs for $1 each, and then get something else I need to make up the rest of the $9. I have no problem buying more than 3 items, or spending more than $3, but I do my best to keep what I buy under $20.
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January 28, 2026 06:06PM
the unique UPC requirement was for pickup shops in my area. the in-store shops had no such requirement before.

if 40 pack waters were on sale for $5, i was able to purchase 3-4 of them in one transaction without any additional items previously.
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January 28, 2026 06:14PM
Not sure what Kroger "Deedee thoughts" shops in but at the 5 or so I shop at employees are not trying to ease drop on conversations you are having with another customer about what fruit is good or whatever. Actually polite employees do NOT ease drop on customers and butt in with comments. As the shops are to be done ALONE is a shopper supposed to pick a random customer and start a conversation hoping the employee overhears it and butts in with a suggestion? I have no idea how Kroger came up with these examples of an employee asking what you are having for dinner or whatever. I personally find it quite amusing that they actually think an employee out of the blue without prompting would engage you in any conversation. Just does not happen- perhaps IF you start the interaction and ask a question perhaps but otherwise does not happen. I personally do not like the new requirements as I think it will require a lot of note taking in each dept concerning WHY there was no question or follow up after they nod or smile. As a Kroger customer the things listed on the form make no difference to me. What I like is employees whoa re busy stocking and being sure that everything is there for me to purchase. The rest is just not important to me.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/28/2026 06:18PM by Fatlady.
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January 28, 2026 06:21PM
As to the $10 reimbursement, I am usually able to locate at least that sum in attractively reduced items, especially red bag produce. In addition, I track deli food being out-of-stock and on the next visit make mention of that situation. Not always but often I will either be comped or receive a generous discount.

In both business and romance, I much prefer being rejected than wondering "what if."
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January 28, 2026 06:25PM
Did anyone see competitor shops posted this time?
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January 28, 2026 06:30PM
Ease drop? There are a number of significant changes. Suggest anyone considering whether to take these look at the new guidelines first. If your shops have not dropped, you can go to those for one of the east coast locations. PS our scheduler did not indicate that the pickups/gas are never returning, just that they don't know.

If you've been following Kroger's financial woes from the failed takeover, and that they closed or will close 60 "underperforming" stores, it will be no surprise.
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January 28, 2026 07:30PM
@Fatlady wrote:

I have no idea how Kroger came up with these examples of an employee asking what you are having for dinner or whatever. I personally find it quite amusing that they actually think an employee out of the blue without prompting would engage you in any conversation. Just does not happen- perhaps IF you start the interaction and ask a question perhaps but otherwise does not happen. I personally do not like the new requirements as I think it will require a lot of note taking in each dept concerning WHY there was no question or follow up after they nod or smile. As a Kroger customer the things listed on the form make no difference to me. What I like is employees who are busy stocking and being sure that everything is there for me to purchase. The rest is just not important to me.

I agree and I think this new "Helpful" requirement is unfair to the Produce associates. They are there to stock produce like you said. The answer choices are only Yes, No, or N/A, with no option to indicate why it's a "No." The Deli and Meat associates on the other hand are supposed to be "Helpful" because that's what those departments do, provide a service.

It will also be interesting to see how the "Name" requirement plays out. The email I received announcing when the shops would drop had a stern warning to "Get all required associate names." (bolded and larger font than the rest of the email) or "... shops will be rejected in 2026 for this."

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/28/2026 07:43PM by LindaS.
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January 28, 2026 08:00PM
I suggest you actually read the new guidelines and the survey form which addresses some of your "concerns".

If you don't like the new program, don't take any shops or take one to try it out before going ballistic.

Maybe you just aren't the "target" Kroger shopper. It's their program, not ours.

Good luck.
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January 28, 2026 08:32PM
@Fatlady wrote:

Not sure what Kroger "Deedee thoughts" shops in but at the 5 or so I shop at employees are not trying to ease drop on conversations you are having with another customer about what fruit is good or whatever. Actually polite employees do NOT ease drop on customers and butt in with comments. As the shops are to be done ALONE is a shopper supposed to pick a random customer and start a conversation hoping the employee overhears it and butts in with a suggestion? I have no idea how Kroger came up with these examples of an employee asking what you are having for dinner or whatever. I personally find it quite amusing that they actually think an employee out of the blue without prompting would engage you in any conversation. Just does not happen- perhaps IF you start the interaction and ask a question perhaps but otherwise does not happen. I personally do not like the new requirements as I think it will require a lot of note taking in each dept concerning WHY there was no question or follow up after they nod or smile. As a Kroger customer the things listed on the form make no difference to me. What I like is employees whoa re busy stocking and being sure that everything is there for me to purchase. The rest is just not important to me.
Perhaps you should stop doing these. The changes in the guidelines seem to upset you a great deal and you don't value the client's objectives..

Grocery shopping is a social activity for some of us and these interactions feel easy and natural. It's surely uncomfortable if that isn't your personality. And that's OK, there are lots of other shop types that may be a better fit.

I've been to a Kroger where they consistently do ALL of the things Kroger expects. It was SO PLEASANT! Like a little community, help everywhere and customers chatting with other customers as well as the associates. They offered to bring my bags out to my car! I almost fell over. I'm sure you would hate it.

But, when I saw what they were trying to accomplish had succeeded there, I wanted to force every surly Kroger associate to spend a day job shadowing there so they could see what their day could be like.
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January 28, 2026 08:43PM
I did not see the offending post. Did it reveal the MS company which would violate everyone's rules?
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January 28, 2026 08:47PM
If anyone had read the survey, they may have noticed that there are options for the no nametag situation.

I decided to take three at my favorite stores where I don't usually have any issues with the unfriendly ignoring associates.

The items that have freshness and supply checks in meat have changed, too.
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January 28, 2026 09:00PM
Curious where the shopper who finds shopping to be a social activity and where they offer to bring bags out for you. Certainly not where I live and shop. Customers for most part do not interact with other customers. Everyone in a hurry and anxious to shop and get home. I live in a suburb of a major city large percentage of dual income couples who do not find chatting in the produce dept with strangers to be worthwhile. I also do not find grocery shopping to be a social activity.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/28/2026 09:07PM by OldmanJames.
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January 28, 2026 09:11PM
The 'local' chain of grocery stores near me automatically bag & carry out your groceries unless you tell them not to. I'm in a 'suburb' of a very large city....


@OldmanJames wrote:

Curious where the shopper who finds shopping to be a social activity and where they offer to bring bags out for you. Certainly not where I live and shop. Customers for most part do not interact with other customers. Everyone in a hurry and anxious to shop and get home. I live in a suburb of a major city large percentage of dual income couples who do not find chatting in the produce dept with strangers to be worthwhile. I also do not find grocery shopping to be a social activity.
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January 28, 2026 10:12PM
The key is whether or not you are fully in the field of vision of the Produce Associate. I have interpreted that to mean it does not count if they are stocking and focused on that. I arrange to cross fully their field of vision at some point. So I very rarely get less than eye contact.

Do not read so much, look about you and think of what you see there.
Richard Feynman-- letter to Ashok Arora, 4 January 1967, published in Perfectly Reasonable Deviations from the Beaten Track (2005) p. 230
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January 28, 2026 10:26PM
Part of the willingness to assist is whether or not they ask a question. So there is at least one circumstance where you initiate conversation. This one is easy. Where is the garlic?, do you have liver? or Do you carry Boars Head products?

Do not read so much, look about you and think of what you see there.
Richard Feynman-- letter to Ashok Arora, 4 January 1967, published in Perfectly Reasonable Deviations from the Beaten Track (2005) p. 230
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January 28, 2026 10:42PM
I grabbed my usual Krogers this morning when they were posted and didn't even realize the changes until I read these posts. Yes, I would have read the instructions as I always do before the new period starts, but I don't think I would have refrained from getting them had I known of the changes beforehand. The thing I like the least is the 30 minutes in store requirement. I already dawdle as it is to spend 20 minutes in a store, so now I'll have to dawdle even more. I might become one of those shoppers who does strike up conversations with other shoppers just to pass the time, but I live in the south so that it more common. I'm just thankful they didn't bring back those silly questions we had to ask in several departments. Some were so dumb I still remember them to this day. And as far as a stricter requirement to get names, at least they don't MAKE you ask for an employees name, there are some shops that require that if they aren't wearing a nametag. I did a few hardware stores that required you to ask for their name, I mean how many customers ask an employees name in a grocery or hardware store. It made this 60 something year old guy feel like a creep asking an 18 year old female cashier her name.
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January 29, 2026 01:08AM
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January 29, 2026 03:49AM
@Fatlady wrote:

It has become an issue with shoppers not getting names of associates and shops will be rejected in 2026 for this.
Not pleased with this at all!

Please show me where it says this in the instructions. I've spent the last several hours comparing the guidelines from last year to this year, and I can't find that anywhere.
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January 29, 2026 04:01AM
@OldmanJames wrote:

And in all my years of shopping at Kroger at many different locations no produce associate asked me what I am making for dinner. I had a good chuckle when I looked at the new form. I assume they want shoppers to try and engage employee conversation to elicit what are you making for dinner question or other questions.

Again, I don't know where this came from. Where does it say that the produce associate is supposed to ask what you're cooking for dinner? Please copy and paste this from the guidelines, I can't find it.
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January 29, 2026 04:20AM
Here is what I see in the guidelines and questionaire.

1. we don't need descriptions anymore, and I don't mind that. The way they required answers to the description questions wasn't very functional anyway.

2. there are options to pick for the reason you can't get a name off a name tag. You do NOT need to ask for their names.

3. In Produce, Meat, and the Deli someone is suppose notice you and greet you with a smile. I can't find where it says that they are supposed eavesdrop on your conversation with another customer, or ask you what you're having for dinner.

4. the part about the 3 unique items is also in the guidelines from last year, that is NOT a new requirement.

5. You don't have to wait for a check out lane with a bagger. If there isn't a bagger available you put N/A and bagger not available just like we always have.

6. I can't find anything that says that if we can't get a name that our shop will be rejected.

Do all of you have these requirements somewhere in writing? Please show me and tell me where you found it.
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January 29, 2026 04:59AM
@Morledzep wrote:

@Fatlady wrote:

It has become an issue with shoppers not getting names of associates and shops will be rejected in 2026 for this.
Not pleased with this at all!

Please show me where it says this in the instructions. I've spent the last several hours comparing the guidelines from last year to this year, and I can't find that anywhere.

Lady, you are right. It does not say this anywhere in the new instructions. Instead, it was in the email I got from the scheduler letting us know when the shops would be released. Morledzep quoted what was stated in the email about the shop being rejected. In addition, that bullet point started with, "Get all required associate names." which was bolded and about twice the size of any of the rest of the bullet point headers.

In addition, the Questionnaire has 4 different options for why you couldn't get the name. As someone else noted, they removed all of the associate descriptive items. Part of me is glad but when we can't get the name, how will they give feedback if they have no way of knowing which associate it was? Oh well, let the fun begin...
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