SHOPPERS have been slamming Kroger for its recent shopping cart change.
Select locations began implementing updated carts earlier this year to the dismay of many, as a crucial feature was removed.
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The new shopping carts at Kroger do not have the bottom rack below, meaning there’s no more room for cases of water, soda, beer, or various items that are heavy or awkward.
Several customers have claimed that the removal of the bottom rack has severely inconvenienced their grocery trips.
“They don’t have bottoms!” exclaimed a Kroger shopper in a recent post to Reddit.
“Where the heck are u supposed to put cases of water and soda?”
“Dumbest thing I’ve ever seen,” they fumed.
The shopper added that it was “horrible planning” on Kroger’s part.
CONSIDERING EVERYONE
They certainly aren’t the only ones to issue serious grievances to the chain over shopping cart change.
Kroger customer Kara Bradley called out how the lack of the bottom rack might seriously impact elderly or disabled shoppers.
“As someone who has a very difficult time with heavier items like packs of soda, Gatorade, and water, this would be a no-go for me,” she wrote in a post to Facebook.
“Imagine elderly folks and folks who have disabilities.”
Another remarked, “Come on, Kroger.”
Kroger has responded to some complaints from shoppers about the bottomless carts.
A customer recently pleaded for adjustments to Kroger after an “awful” shopping experience without the bottom rack, and the retailer apologized, promising a review.
“We are so sorry about this,” Kroger wrote on X.
How to cut the cost of your grocery shop
BELOW are some tips on how to reduce the amount you spend on groceries.
- Write yourself a list – Only buy items that you need. If it isn’t on your list, don’t put it in the trolley
- Create a budget – Work out a weekly budget for your food shopping
- Never shop hungry – You are far more likely to buy more food if your tummy is rumbling
- Don’t buy pre-chopped veggies or fruit – The extra they’ll charge for chopping can be eye watering
- Use social media – Follow your favourite retailers to find out about the latest deals
- Be disloyal – You may want to go to different stores to find the best bargains
- Check the small print – It’s always worth checking the price per kg/lb/litre when comparing offers so you’re making a like for like decision as a bigger box won’t necessarily mean you get more
- Use your loyalty cards – Don’t be afraid to sign up to them all. They all work slightly differently – work out what bonus suits you better and remember to trade in your points for additional rewards
“We’re sharing your feedback with our store management team for review.”
PRICING FEARS
Kroger customers have had other concerns this summer besides its shopping cart design.
The retailer plans to merge with Albertsons in a $24.6 billion merger, which it confirmed in October 2022.
It immediately caused backlash from the industry and several lawsuits were filed to block the merger by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and some state officials.
The suits claim the merger would decrease competition and subsequently result in raised prices for consumers.
Kroger and Albertsons recently confirmed they would divest 579 store locations to ease concerns.
Still, several Kroger shoppers insist that price gouging will come as a direct effect of the merger.