Does Kroger own a QFC? (all you must know)
Kroger, the largest supermarket chain in the United States, has acquired multiple grocery stores over the years.
You may be wondering, among all these subsidiaries, is QFC one of them? Does Kroger own a QFC? Here’s everything you need to know!
Does Kroger own a QFC in 2022?
Quality Food Centers, or QFC for short, is a subsidiary of Kroger as of 2022. Although Kroger did not acquire QFC outright, the deal was completed through a 1998 merger with Fred Meyer. Fred Meyer had acquired QFC in 1997 to work with Kroger before joining QFC. So Kroger became the owner.
Read on to learn more about how Kroger became the owner of QFC and the connection between the two stores!
What is the deal between QFC and Kroger?
After the Kroger-Fred Meyer merger in 1998, QFC and Kroger were linked. That said, QFC had expanded significantly before it was sold to Fred Meyer in 1997.
Additionally, such acquisitions have contributed to Kroger’s growth in the U.S., increasing the number of stores the retailer owns.
Why did Kroger buy QFC?
As a Kroger subsidiary, QFC has some benefits for brands.
QFC location
Kroger has more than 2,800 locations nationwide, some under the QFC brand.
In addition, OFC has more than 50 locations in the United States, most of which are in Washington and the rest in Oregon.
So while Kroger closed two of its QFC stores in Seattle last year, the rest still play a role in the Kroger family and contribute to its dominance.
QFC revenue
Global net sales of QFC in 2021 will be $150.3 million due to a wide range of products.
That said, it helps Kroger’s total company sales of $137.9 billion in 2021. As such, QFC is a key part of Kroger’s revenue growth.
What other stores does Kroger own?
In addition to QFC, Kroger owns several other stores, including:
- Ralphs
- Harris Tate
- king spoon
- Fred Meyer
- round
- Baker’s
- less food 4
- Dillion
- city market
- home cook
- subway market
- Smith’s
Thanks to all these stores, Kroger operates in 35 US states.
Additionally, the retailer is a public company and derives revenue from the sales and operations of all its subsidiaries, including QFC.
In addition, Kroger has more than 2,800 grocery retail stores operated under the Kroger family in different states of the United States, making it the largest supermarket chain.
Finally, most Kroger stores offer the same services and products. So you can find similar items in any of them.
Can you return QFC merchandise to a Kroger store?
If you have purchased a defective or wrong item from QFC, you can return it to the nearest Kroger store.
That said, because the retail store is part of the Kroger family of stores, it accepts returns as long as it’s within the supermarket’s policy.
To simplify the returns process, you can use Kroger’s Store Locator to find the nearest store in your city or town.
Also, make sure you have the item in its original packaging and bring the original receipt with you during the return process.
Additionally, the Kroger Store will issue a refund to you based on the payment method you used with your initial purchase.
All Kroger family stores only accept returns within 30 days of purchase, in accordance with their return policy.
Kroger reserves the right to refuse any return once this period has elapsed.
Also, when returning, you need to be aware that certain items are restricted. For example, the store will only accept baby formula returns if you have the original receipt.
On the other hand, if you need to return alcohol and tobacco products, it will depend on local state laws.
If you return women’s, baby, and children’s items, Kroger will only exchange them for food packs, as the store does not offer returns.
Before returning any item, it is best to review the actual product with restrictions on the website.
You can then use this information to determine if you are eligible for a refund or exchange.
Can you use Kroger gift cards at QFC?
This Kroger gift card is a prepayment for any company offering products and fuel.
Once you get the card, it comes with terms and conditions and a list of stores you can visit on the back.
Additionally, when you pay for a product with a Kroger Gift Card, the balance will be printed on the sales receipt.
Alternatively, you can use your QFC Gift Card to shop at Kroger or any other affiliate and earn fuel points and rewards.
Additionally, Kroger physical gift cards can be used at all flagship stores, including gas stations.
Plus, you can buy them in bulk and mail them to others, or use them for your pickup or delivery orders.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on whether Kroger owns Food Lion, whether Kroger owns Fred Meyer, and whether Kroger owns Meijer.
in conclusion
Quality Food Centers, or QFC for short, is a subsidiary of Kroger. Although Kroger didn’t buy QFC outright, the deal was done through a 1998 merger with Fred Meyer.
That said, Fred Meyer had acquired QFC in 1997 before partnering with Kroger.
So after this merger, Kroger became the owner. So you can use your Kroger Gift Card to shop at any QFC store or other affiliates printed on the back of the card.
Additionally, you may return QFC purchases at any Kroger store, as long as it is in compliance with company policy.
