Kroger has found itself in hot water after a number of customers complained that they were charged higher than anticipated at the checkout because of expired sales tags.
The price scandal erupted after Consumer Reports, The Guardian, and the Food & Environment Reporting Network conducted an investigation that revealed the retailer hadn’t kept its in-store price tags up to date consistently. That resulted in numerous customers believing they were receiving a discount, only to be hit with a higher amount at self-checkout.
One eagle-eyed Facebook user, however, has cracked the code on how to shop smart and avoid the confusion entirely. “I’ve learned that Kroger’s weekly sales end Tuesday and the new ones start Wednesday,” the shopper explained. “So I stay away from shopping on Wednesdays completely.” It seems, however, that this advice applies to most places, Kroger’s website verifies that its new weekly ad normally posts around midnight ET on every Wednesday, with the exception of those in Indiana (excluding SE Indiana and Evansville), Illinois, and Eastern Missouri where it posts on Thursday.
The same user also posted another clever observation, which is that digital coupons and some discounts only appear at the last minute during checkout. “I had to ask a sales associate about it. They told me to wait until the very end before paying, and if the discount didn’t apply, they’d fix it,” he said.
Dozens of customers on line voiced the same frustration. “This occurs every time that I shop there,” one consumer posted. “I photograph the sales sticker now, just in case I do need the proof at the checkout line.” Another customer posted, “I shop at HEB now because I got fed up with being overcharged at self-checkout.”
To assist in fighting against the confusion, shop at Kroger following are a few things customers advise: check Kroger’s Weekly Ad schedule, look for digital coupons, and join for cash-back offers right on their website or app. Although these may not end all problems, they can save money and minimize surprises at checkout.
As a reaction to the increasing backlash, Kroger issued a statement defending their operations. Referring to CBS News Texas, the company stated, “The Consumer Reports allegations boil down to misinformation. We regularly check thousands of items to ensure the prices are correct. If an isolated discrepancy occurs, we honor the promotional price to make it right.”
They also stated reducing prices on more than 1,000 items in the recent past and restated that they will stick to consistent pricing both online and in stores. Even as the company had been assertive, most customers remain doubtful, particularly with other big-box retailers such as Walmart and Target already under fire for self-checkout policy changes as well.
Walmart’s revised self-checkout policies are having individuals feeling like they have to pay more for convenience, and Target’s express lanes are riling up some major side-eyes as well.
The Kroger case is a reminder that even routine runs to the grocery store can become a budgeting war. But with a bit of timing tactics and vigilance, shoppers like the Facebook commenter are showing that being one step ahead of the scanner can be worth it.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
