The Kroger Co. has announced the official opening of a new facility in Birmingham, Alabama. Serving as a last-mile cross-dock location, the new facility will operate as an extension of the regional fulfillment center in Atlanta, making Kroger Delivery available to more customers in the greater Birmingham area.
Kroger was joined by the local community to open the facility and celebrate the new employees.
“Kroger Delivery starts by bringing the shopping experience to wherever our customers are, whether they are using the Kroger app or browsing our weekly ad. Here, customers can access our seamless experience that promises an extensive assortment, thousands of digital coupons and an entirely personalized shopping trip,” said Bill Bennett, Kroger VP and head of e-commerce.
“Through this zero-compromise service, customers can get fresh, affordable groceries brought to their door through a best-in-class white glove delivery experience, enabled by our refrigerated trucks and amazing trained drivers. This cutting-edge technology sets a new unmatched standard for grocery delivery.”
Local shoppers also have access to its Boost by Kroger annual membership program. For $59 or $99 per year, Boost provides customers with benefits like unlimited free delivery on orders of $35 or more and two fuel points for every $1 spent on groceries and general merchandise purchases through delivery, pickup and in-stores.
“The Birmingham Business Alliance team was proud to assist Kroger with their momentous launch in the Birmingham market. Kroger’s commitment to being a champion employer for our community has been evident since day one, and we are looking forward to supporting their continued success here,” said Emily Jerkins Hall, president and COO, Birmingham Business Alliance.
The 50,000-square-foot facility will work in conjunction with the Atlanta fulfillment center, increasing the network’s reach to customers up to 90 minutes from the hub. The facility is located on West Oxmoor Drive in Birmingham’s Jefferson County and will employ more than 160 employees.
“For people who live in food deserts, getting groceries can be a real challenge,” said Cornell Wesley, director, department of innovation and economic opportunity, City of Birmingham. “Eliminating the distance to the grocery store from the doorstep can positively impact our citizens who are most in need of healthy food options. As a community, we are excited about Kroger choosing Birmingham for this expansion and are eager to partner with them in exploring more ways to solve for food deserts.”
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