When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
Kroger
Why Kroger is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Kroger stands as one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States, operating over 2,700 stores across 35 states. This extensive presence makes it a convenient meeting and shopping spot for many people. Kroger prides itself on providing fresh, affordable food with a strong connection to local farmers, ensuring high standards for freshness and quality. Beyond groceries, Kroger offers a broad selection including fuel stations, pharmacies with nearly 2,270 locations filling around 262 million prescriptions, and innovative private-label brands that keep up with the latest food trends. The company also emphasizes convenience through both in-store and online shopping options, catering to different customer preferences. Kroger serves about 11 million customers daily and commits to community support by donating billions of meals to those in need. All these factors combined create an inviting atmosphere not just for everyday shopping but also for casual meetups. Friends can gather to explore a wide variety of fresh produce, specialty items, and household essentials, or enjoy quick and easy meal solutions found under Kroger’s trusted brands. Kroger's ongoing investment in enhancing the customer shopping experience and expanding e-commerce further positions it as a versatile, accessible destination perfect for social interactions and routine grocery needs.
Here's what people think of Kroger
As of recent, Kroger holds a 3.7-star rating based on 658 reviews.
Customer reviews of Kroger provide a mixed portrayal. Many positive comments highlight the variety and freshness of products, the convenience of multiple store locations, and the company's dedication to evolving with customer needs through expanded e-commerce and pharmacy services. Reviewers appreciate Kroger's commitment to quality and community, recognizing it as a reliable place to buy groceries and pick up prescriptions. On the other hand, some negative reviews focus on customer service shortcomings such as pricing inconsistencies and perceived rudeness or inattentiveness from staff. There have been specific complaints about discrepancies between advertised and checkout prices, and frustrations with store management responsiveness. Additionally, some users note issues with employee professionalism or communication during customer service encounters. This contrast in experiences suggests that while Kroger excels in product quality and selection, it faces challenges in ensuring consistent, high-quality customer service across all its locations. In summary, Kroger remains a leading supermarket with strong growth and customer loyalty driven largely by its product offerings and convenience, but it could improve in areas of staff training and customer interaction to enhance overall satisfaction.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Marie Barksdale
Out of all the Kroger‘s in the area, this one seems to have the most expensive items stocked. Most of the items are placed about the same at each of the stores just they stock items that the other stores don’t. They do stock more Asian food, which is awesome. But there are reasons that I go to other locations more frequently. There’s also more health food and their lunch is definitely better, but I don’t terribly like the store layout.
Christina Morse
Patrick that works in grocery pickup is incredible. With 3 little kids I get grocery pickup often and we now exclusively use Kroger because he has made the experience wonderful every time (and he’s almost always working)! Nowhere else has pickup windows available as quickly, fulfills orders with great produce, and comes out to your car the second you pull up. I’m super grateful to this Kroger and Patrick in particular for making grocery shopping so easy and pleasant for our family.
Jeremy Crosmer
This Kroger recently began posting misleading signs which hide the retail price of their items. The "Price with Digital Coupon" is shown in big numbers, but the actual retail price is completely blocked by the black bar sleeve holding the sign. Because of this, I was charged $5 more on my grocery bill than I was expecting. Many customers will not notice and will end up paying much higher grocery bills. I have not seen this kind of misleading practice in other stores, so I felt it was important to share my experience with this store so customers can decide for themselves whether they want to risk being tricked by a sneaky marketing strategy. I will shop there less frequently than before, but if this signage is fixed to display the retail price very clearly, then I will take down this review and continue my normal shopping habits. *** Update 7/3/23: Not only has this location not fixed their price signs (after I talked to customer service about it), they've actually DOUBLED DOWN on the malicious trickery. In the Cherries photo, it clearly says "$2.99lb with card" on the big sign, but this ONLY applies if you have the digital coupon, although the big sign does not specify this. A smaller sign mentions this, and even smaller is the actual price of $4.99. If it isn't clear that this is confusing and tricking consumers, I watched a man spend 10 minutes being confused at the register about needing to download the Kroger app (and give away his personal data) just to qualify for what he thought was the regular retail price of his items while I checked out speedily next to him. Just think for a moment about how many people are not noticing that they're paying a lot more for items than they originally think. If this store's business model relies on tricking its consumers, it's a place that consumers should avoid, even if that means driving a few more minutes to a different grocery store. Do not shop here.
Michael Jenkins
No wonder why Kroger was trying to merge. The service level of these supermarkets, the attitude of the people working there is poor (with exceptions of good workers). I asked a question to a cashier at which their attitude was "i don't care". FYI, this is the second time where something related to poor attitude occurs. The first, doors were still open, but a guy supervising the registers closed the last lane with people inside the store. Just a common sense tip - close the doors before you close the checkout lanes... Common sense that is not that common in Kroger.
Andrei Ursu
Frustrating Experience with Store's Incompetent Staff I had an extremely frustrating experience at this store while attempting to purchase an alcoholic seltzer at the self-checkout. Despite presenting my legal Michigan Driver's License, I was denied the sale simply because my friend, who was at a separate checkout, was not 21. Interestingly, the cashier initially approved the sale WITHOUT even scanning my ID but later reversed her decision, denying the sale. When I inquired about the reason, the cashier insisted it was store policy that everyone in the party must be 21, even though we were checking out separately. Her justification: "I'm just doing my job." If that's the case, proper training should be part of "your job" to avoid these misguided, and frustrating power trips. After this incident, I reached out to Kroger Customer Service, only to discover that the true policy requires only the purchaser to be 21 with a valid ID. This means the cashier wrongly denied the sale and additionally neglected to scan my ID initially, which, turns out, actually is part of store policy. Funny, you managed to simultaneously ignore store policy and fabricate your own. Later, when I returned to the store alone for a different errand, the same cashier denied my attempt to purchase alcohol again, claiming it was because I had been there earlier with an underage person. Does this mean they never sell wine to parents with children in tow? I spoke with the manager, who said that the sale of alcohol is at the cashier's discretion and that she couldn’t assist me. This response was perplexing considering her role as a manager. Subsequently, another cashier refused service based on the earlier decisions, leaving me unable to make any purchase whatsoever. I hope the staff receives proper training in the future to actually "do their job" correctly, as this experience highlighted issues with at least one untrained and power-tripping cashier, a manager unwilling or unable to address the situation and speak to her employees, and a young cashier who seemed to be following the instructions of the other cashier. (I am not too frustrated with the last cashier as she seemed rather young and probably was attempting to avoid co-worker conflict.) The behavior of the other two employees was downright incompetent.
How to reach Kroger
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Website: None
Why Kroger may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Kroger with your friends?
Kroger stands out as a dynamic destination to rally your friends thanks to its blend of convenience, variety, and community-centered offerings. Whether you're planning a casual hangout or a more organized meetup, Kroger’s extensive product range spanning fresh produce, ready-to-eat meals, and specialty items makes it incredibly easy to accommodate diverse tastes and dietary preferences. The store's layout encourages exploration, from the bakery’s tempting aromas to the aisles stocked with international and local delicacies. Additionally, Kroger’s commitment to affordability and quality allows groups to shop together without worrying about breaking the bank, fostering a shared experience that combines shopping, preparing food, and enjoying it collectively.
Hosting a meetup at Kroger isn’t just about shopping; it’s about creating opportunities to plan meals, discover new groceries, and even enjoy a spontaneous picnic or potluck with freshly picked ingredients, all in one accessible place. The availability of digital coupons and savings enhances the group’s ability to stretch their budgets further, making the gathering even more rewarding. Moreover, Kroger’s widespread presence across multiple states means you can find a convenient location nearly anywhere, simplifying logistics for group outings. This makes Kroger not only a grocery store but a communal space where friends and family can connect over the shared joy of food and preparation—making it a perfect rallying point.
What activities are available at Kroger that make it ideal for group meetups?
Kroger offers several activities and conveniences that create an engaging environment for groups to meet up and enjoy their time together. First and foremost is the grocery shopping experience itself, which can be turned into a collective event. Planning meals together is made fun by browsing the diverse departments—from fresh produce and seafood to bakery and deli options—allowing everyone to contribute ideas and pick ingredients for a group meal or party. This collaborative shopping turns a routine task into a shared activity that builds anticipation and excitement for whatever gathering is being planned.
Besides shopping, Kroger’s services such as grocery pickup and delivery facilitate group coordination. Friends can split tasks with some choosing items online for pickup while others visit in person, saving time and enhancing convenience. Exploring Kroger’s ready-to-eat foods and bulk options is another group activity highlight, as members can select party platters, snack trays, or fresh bakery goods to enjoy immediately or take home for their get-together. These options streamline event prep, allowing the group to focus more on socializing than cooking. Also, with in-store pharmacies, health products, and wellness items, Kroger serves as a comprehensive stop for everything a group might need under one roof, reinforcing its role as a practical and convivial meetup location.
Why is Kroger a convenient and accessible meetup spot for groups?
Kroger’s convenience and accessibility are key reasons it’s perfect for gatherings with friends or family. Boasting over 1,200 grocery stores in multiple states, Kroger is easily found near most communities, which reduces travel time and logistical hassles for large groups coming from different directions. The stores typically offer ample parking space and are located in shopping centers with plenty of amenities, making it comfortable and straightforward to meet up without worrying about traffic or finding a place to park.
Additionally, Kroger’s extension into digital services like grocery pickup and delivery enhances accessibility even more. Groups can coordinate so some members handle online orders while others manage in-store pickups, catering to varied preferences and schedules. This hybrid shopping model is particularly handy for busy groups that want to quickly gather high-quality ingredients or ready-made meals without spending hours in the aisles. Furthermore, the store hours are generally generous, allowing flexibility in planning meetup times. These factors combined underscore Kroger’s reputation as a highly accommodating and reliably convenient destination for group meetups aimed at food, fun, and shared experiences.
What makes Kroger’s product variety supportive of group events?
Kroger offers one of the most diverse product selections among grocery chains, making it exceptionally well-suited for groups with varied tastes and dietary needs. Whether your meetup revolves around a themed dinner, potluck, or casual hangout, Kroger’s departments supply everything from fresh meats, seafood, organic produce, and dairy to pantry staples and international foods. This wide selection ensures that everyone in the group—regardless of dietary preference or restriction—can find something they enjoy, which is vital for group harmony and satisfaction.
Furthermore, Kroger’s bakery and deli sections provide freshly prepared items such as cakes, sandwiches, cheeses, and salads that can complement homemade dishes or serve as convenient stand-alone options for events needing minimal preparation. Health-conscious groups will appreciate the natural and organic food choices, while those looking for indulgence can explore Kroger’s array of sweets and snacks. The ability to add adult beverages and party supplies also enables Kroger to serve as a one-stop shop for complete meetup planning, sparing groups the need to visit multiple stores. This broad product range promotes creativity and inclusivity for group meals and celebrations.
How does Kroger’s pricing and deals benefit groups hosting meetups?
One of Kroger’s strongest appeals for hosting group meetups is its competitive pricing and frequent promotions, which enable groups to organize impressive gatherings without overspending. Kroger is well-known for everyday low prices on staple goods, and its digital coupon system allows users to stack additional savings efficiently. This pricing structure benefits larger groups who need to purchase in bulk or select a wide array of ingredients, making quality food more affordable as a shared expense.
The store’s frequent deals on seasonal items, party platters, and deli trays provide excellent value, especially for those planning events like birthday celebrations, holiday meals, or casual weekend get-togethers. Kroger also offers special discounts on fresh produce and meats, which are often the most expensive components of group meals, helping keep costs manageable. Additionally, with the Kroger Plus Card and personalized digital offers, groups can maximize savings cumulatively. These financial incentives not only make meal preparation easier but also encourage groups to experiment with new recipes and upscale meal choices, adding excitement to meetups.
What additional services at Kroger improve group meetup experiences?
Beyond groceries, Kroger offers several ancillary services that enhance the group meetup experience, making it a practical and enjoyable destination. One key service is Kroger’s Pharmacy, which provides convenient access to prescriptions, vaccines, and wellness products. This is particularly beneficial if group members want to combine shopping with taking care of minor health needs or immunizations, maximizing the efficiency of their outing.
Kroger also features in-store floral departments, where groups can pick up fresh flowers to brighten their gathering space or as thoughtful gifts for hosts or attendees. The availability of household items, cleaning supplies, and party essentials means groups can prepare for any occasion without extra stops elsewhere. Kroger’s customer service, including helpful staff and easy return policies, adds to a relaxed shopping atmosphere that suits group visits. Moreover, Kroger’s community involvement and commitment to sustainability through meal donations and fresh sourcing practices give shoppers a sense of participation in a broader cause. These services collectively support a smooth, well-rounded, and meaningful group meetup environment.
How does Kroger support health-conscious groups during meetups?
Kroger places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, making it an excellent choice for groups prioritizing nutritious and mindful eating during their meetups. The natural and organic product sections feature a wide range of gluten-free, plant-based, and allergen-friendly items, catering to individuals with specific dietary requirements or preferences. Kroger’s commitment to freshness is evident in its partnerships with local farmers and stringent product standards, ensuring groups access quality ingredients that promote well-being.
In addition to food, Kroger offers vitamins, supplements, and personal care products that support a healthy lifestyle beyond the meal. Wellness-related events or gatherings, such as fitness group meetups or health-focused potlucks, benefit from these supportive offerings. Kroger’s pharmacy also provides flu shots and other vaccines, helping groups manage health proactively while enjoying their time together. This health-forward environment enhances the peace of mind for group members who want to indulge without compromising their dietary goals or safety.
What social and community benefits does Kroger offer for groups meeting up?
Kroger’s role extends beyond retail; it serves as a community hub which adds social value for groups meeting there. By supporting local farmers, organizing food donations, and participating in community wellness initiatives, Kroger fosters a sense of social responsibility and connectedness. Groups gathering at Kroger can feel part of a larger commitment to sustainability and community support, which can be an inspiring backdrop to their social interactions.
Moreover, Kroger often runs seasonal events, cooking demonstrations, and tasting sessions that groups can enjoy together, transforming meetups into educational and entertaining experiences. These opportunities allow friends and family to learn about new foods, recipes, and healthy habits while sharing quality time. The friendly atmosphere and community engagement encourage positive social interaction, making Kroger more than just a grocery store—it’s a place that helps build meaningful human connections through food and shared values.
In summary, Kroger’s extensive variety, convenience, affordability, and community focus make it a highly attractive place to rally with friends or family. Whether planning a special meal, enjoying in-store events, or coordinating group shopping, Kroger provides an environment that supports togetherness through quality products and thoughtful services. These features, combined with the accessibility of more than 1,200 locations and a solid 3.7-star rating by thousands of reviewers, position Kroger as a reliable and enjoyable meetup venue for groups of all kinds.