CINCINNATI – In a press release issued yesterday, The Kroger Co. announced its intention to explore strategic alternatives for its convenience store business, including a potential sale, as part of its Restock Kroger plan to redefine the food and grocery customer experience in America. This is the result of a review of assets that are potentially of more value outside of the company than as part of Kroger. 

The company’s convenience store business generated in-store sales revenue of $1.4 billion in 2016. Including fuel, Kroger's convenience store business generated $4 billion in total sales last year.

"Our convenience stores are strong, successful and growing with the potential to grow even more," said Mike Schlotman, Kroger's executive vice president and CFO. "We want to look at all options to ensure this part of the business is meeting its full potential. Considering the current premium multiples for convenience stores, we feel it is our obligation as a management team to undertake this review."

Kroger's convenience store business includes 784 convenience stores located across 18 states, and it includes 68 franchise operations. The stores employ 11,000 associates and operate under the following banner names: Turkey Hill Minit Markets, Loaf 'N Jug, KwikShop, Tom Thumb and QuickStop. Neither supermarket fuel centers nor Turkey Hill Dairy is included in this review.

"Our convenience store management and associates are an important part of our success. They put our customer first every day.  We value what they do and thank them for what they will continue to do as we conduct this evaluation," Schlotman said.

The company has hired Goldman Sachs & Co. to identify, review and evaluate the options.