Kroger’s Post

Some great advice - what tool do you have in your hand?

In 1861, Richard Cadbury introduced the inaugural heart-shaped box of chocolates, forever changing the way we celebrate love and affection. As we approach Valentine's Day, we're curious: What's your favorite Valentine's Day tradition or memory involving chocolates? Share your stories in the comments below and join the conversation! #ValentinesDay #CadburyChocolates #SweetTradition #manufacturing #staffingsolutions #careerdevelopment #careers #careergoals

🎉Cheers to TWO Years 🎉It’s officially my Kroger-versary‼️ 📌Top 5 MEMORIES from Year 2😎 1️⃣ Standing up 2 new college food pantries in #Mississippi. 2️⃣ Receiving #fearless support from my Corporate Affairs Leaders. 3️⃣ Meeting our Chief of People & SVP of Operations IN-PERSON. 4️⃣ Gaining a deeper appreciation for grocery #merchandising and #operations from our Division VP’s, DM’s, SL’s and Associates. 💙 5️⃣ Creating the “Diversity at the Table” series to amplify different #cultures & #cuisines in the #community. 📌Top 5 I Want to FORGET🤦🏽♀️ ❌ Having to get another laptop.….again. (I’m dearly loved by our Technology Team) ❌ Drove 2.5 hours to a store event and left all the materials I needed….in my garage. ❌ Finally gave in to fully utilizing my archnemesis…………aka TEAMS. ❌ Forgot all of my talking points, every last one of them…..during a LIVE interview. ❌ Typed “lettuce” instead of “let us” in several emails…. to several different people. ….and I wouldn’t change a thing‼️ #WeAreKroger #EmployerofChoice

Gratitude in the Checkout Line: A Lesson from Publix The other day, as I was waiting in line at Publix for my sub to be made, I couldn't help but notice the impatience and rudeness directed towards the employees. Requests were barked rather than asked, and thank-yous were noticeably absent. The experience made me reflect on my own journey and how grateful I am for where I work now. You see, I used to be a barista at Starbucks, a place where the hustle and bustle of coffee-making is a daily grind—literally. I've been on the receiving end of hurried orders and dismissive attitudes more times than I can count. But I also remember the customers who took a moment to smile, to say "thank you," and to treat me like a human being, not just a cog in their caffeine machine. Those brief encounters often made my day, turning an ordinary shift into a reminder of the goodness in people. This is why today's experience at Publix struck a chord. I wanted to tell those impatient customers that the person making your sub is someone's son, daughter, or friend, deserving of the same courtesy and respect we all wish to receive. But instead of confronting them, I chose to show kindness to the employees, thanking them for their service and striking up a short but genuine conversation. The smiles I received in return were worth more than any sub could ever be. I'm thankful for my current workplace, where a culture of mutual respect and understanding is the norm, not the exception. But let's not forget that the true measure of our character shows up in how we treat people who are in roles designed to serve us. So, the next time you're in line for a coffee or waiting for a sub, remember that a little kindness can go a long way. It costs nothing, but its value is immeasurable. #ChooseKindness #Gratitude #WorkPlaceCulture

Creativity! One of the things that we #leaders and professionals have the opportunity to do is to tap into our ability to innovate. In fact, I believe that #innovation is one of the key components of an EPIC culture that is Empowering, Purpose-Driven, Innovative and Collaborative. Yesterday, as I dashed around prepping for a quick “staycation” with the man I love, I was transported into a #mindset of whimsy and fun…. Yes, thanks to a grocery store! (The Publix in Riverview on 301 by Belmont) #publix . If creating an emotional state of possibility is a winning sales strategy, this Publix gets an A . The store looked more like a high end sweet 16 party than a place to pick up a box of Fruit Loops. Not only was the floral department brimming with balloons and flowers (even an entire section of balloons in Spanish), but every single aisle throughout the store cried out with Valentine’s Day playful whimsy. I can only imagine how much labor and inventory went into creating this Valentine’s Day experience and I would guess that some might have had reservations about committing to this expense. However, what I witnessed was a breath of surprise and awe from every single person who stepped through their front door. Virtually every single shopper stopped and picked up the bigger bouquet of flowers, the fancier balloon, the curated presentation of chocolates and a stuffed animal. It was so #easy and inviting. By buying into these products, it felt as if you were buying into the perfect magical Valentine’s Day experience. So as I sit here on this glorious day representing love and human kindness (including kindness to Self), I am reminded of the wonder that we each have the capacity to ignite when we step boldly into the realm of #creativity and innovation. Creating unexpected experiences is something that we as individuals can initiate or be part of in the context of our organizations and businesses. I would guess that some team members of that Publix may have felt that their role in inflating all of those balloons was insignificant, if not mundane. To me, those balloons serve as a reminder that the “mundane” tasks that we perform in the context of our companies might turn out to be that remarkable, “brighten your day” moment for one of our clients. So no matter how “small” your role, don’t underestimate your value. Even James Bond needed his Q. So on this lovely Valentine’s Day, what remarkably creative experience will you choose to create? And can you amplify your innovation by collaborating with someone else? Ideas? #leadershipdevelopment #keynotespeaker #motivation #epic #resilience #grit #gritmindsetacademy #meridithalexander #business #podcast #valentinesday

What's it like to be a part of something bigger? Last Friday, REI stepped away from the Black Friday insanity again, closing its doors to encourage employees (and customers) to #OptOutside. Instead of navigating crowded stores, the employees of the Jacksonville REI rallied together for a meaningful cleanup along the Riverwalk Bank (which was voluntary). REI's #OptOutside campaign encourages consumers to opt out of the madness of Black Friday shopping the day after Thanksgiving and do anything in the great outdoors. This isn't just about escaping the chaos; it's about being part of a movement that values community, nature, and a break from the ordinary. For me, it was a great way to give back to the community, spend time with coworkers, and enjoy the peace of the outdoors. The cool thing? They still paid us for that day even though the store was closed. It's a testament to the company's dedication to its mission and its employees. Company culture isn't about pizza parties or after-work drinks; company culture is about shared values and a mission that resonates with the entire team. I can't wait to find my next adventure: one that believes in company culture and building something extraordinary for all its employees. I'd love to know what your favorite part is of your company culture. Share in the comments so that maybe we can walk away with some great ideas. #optoutsidewithpurpose #adventureawaits #opentowork #companyculture

"I experience a warm glow when I hear about Marks & Spencer doing well. It’s like hearing that my favourite auntie won a prize for something. It is so pluckily undefeated, permanently cheerful and optimistic, even when we are mean and call Per Una hideous and embarrassing. You want jeans? It’ll give you jeans. You like the underwear? Here, have six more knickers lines in technical fabrics that won’t show or shrink or crawl up your bum. You want calorie-counted, plant-based ready meals? They’re over there. Yesterday’s performance results from M&S showed that its can-do, no-offence-taken attitude has resulted in soaring success in most departments, with a record-breaking 38.2% market share in bras, and knickers sales up by 3%. Laugh if you want but this is a big deal" | ✍️ Esther Walker Here's why M&S is booming again ⬇️

As the days creep closer to Halloween, confectioners weave a sweet web in preparation for this enchanting holiday. Did you know that the National Retail Foundation projects 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 $𝟏𝟐.𝟐 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧? That's about $100 per household and amounts to a 15.5% increase in spending compared to last year's Halloween. And, out of the $12.2 billion, 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 $𝟑.𝟔 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞!¹ What's changed? Celebrations like Halloween are exceeding even pre-pandemic levels. After being cooped up, we're all looking for a good excuse to spend more time with family and friends, even if that means spending more to have a festive celebration. According to CandyStore.com*², these are America's top favorite Halloween candies: 1. Reese's Cups 2. M&M's 3. Hot Tamales 4. Skittles 5. Sour Patch Kids 6. Starburst 7. Hershey Kisses 8. Candy corn 9. Hershey Mini Bars 10. Snickers Did your favorite candies make the list? 1. NRF.com, 2023 2. CandyStore.com, September 30, 2023 *Results from 15 years of sales data (2007-2022) from CandyStore.com

Hey, everyone! It's Tera Chapman here, the Master Life Coach and also the CEO of IJOT Dough, where we own the bread delivery routes for East Atlanta and Douglasville. Today, I want to share an extraordinary experience with all of you. I decided to step out of my CEO shoes for a night and take on the exciting challenge of delivering our bread and Takis to Kroger. This YouTube video takes you on a personal journey with me as I spend a night at Kroger, getting a taste of the frontline action. As the night comes to a close, we wrap up the delivery tasks. There's a sense of accomplishment knowing that we've restocked the shelves and kept the store running smoothly for the next day. I express my gratitude to the Kroger team, and they reciprocate with warm farewells. This may be a typical night for me, but it's far from ordinary. Delivering bread and Takis to Kroger is not just a job; it's a passion. It's about fostering relationships, being part of a team, and making sure our customers are delighted with our products. I hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at my usual bread and Takis delivery adventure at Kroger. It's a reminder that no matter where you are in the company, being hands-on and building connections is essential. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more insights and the amazing work done by the IJOT Dough. Thanks for joining me, and I'll see you in the next video! #CEOAdventures #BehindTheScenes #BreadDelivery #TakisTime #KrogerNights #HandsonCEO #FrontlineExperience #TeamworkMakesDreamwork #GratefulForMyTeam #CustomerDelight #NightShiftLife #BusinessConnections #PassionForWork #KrogerCommunity #IJOTDoughAtKroger #BreadAndTakis #NightAtTheStore #DedicatedTeam #InspirationalLeadership #ChampioningTeamEfforts #LifeCoaching #IJOTWealthCoaching #IJOTDough

From Battlefields to Baristas: How Starbucks Brews Opportunities for Veterans Starbucks 10% Discount for Active Duty and Military Veterans A Latte of Gratitude In the bustling heart of Starbucks, where the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans mingles with the hum of conversations, Eric Savary found more than just a job. A former U.S. Marine Corps staff sergeant, Savary faced the daunting transition from military life to civilian work. Like many veterans, he grappled with the challenge of translating combat skills into a résumé that resonated with employers. But then, a call changed everything. Another veteran tipped him off about a position at the Starbucks York Roasting Plant. Savary applied, and soon, he was donning the iconic green apron, ready to serve a different kind of brew. Starbucks didn’t just hire him; they embraced him. Through their partnership with Arizona State University, Savary earned a bachelor’s degree in operations management, all while crafting lattes and connecting with fellow partners who understood the journey from barracks to barista. Brewing Opportunities Starbucks doesn’t stop at hiring veterans; they steep their commitment in meaningful benefits. For members of the U.S. National Guard and Reserve, Starbucks provides up to 80 hours of annual military leave with full pay to support training obligations. When partners are called to active duty, Starbucks bridges the gap between their wages and military pay for up to 78 weeks. But it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about camaraderie. Starbucks fosters connections through their network of Military Family Stores, where veterans find a sense of belonging and purpose. These stores aren’t just coffee shops; they’re sanctuaries where stories are shared, and resilience is brewed. #veteranssupport #militarydiscounts #veteransbenefits #coffeelovers #wenwen #starbucks #Warriorexchangenetwork A Grande Vision Beyond the espresso machines and pastry displays, Starbucks envisions a world where veterans thrive. Their partnerships with veteran organizations extend year-round, ensuring that the transition from uniform to apron isn’t a leap into the unknown. So, the next time you sip your morning latte, remember that behind every cup lies a story—a story of courage, resilience, and a company that believes in turning coffee breaks into life-changing opportunities. Starbucks doesn’t just serve coffee; they serve gratitude, one cup at a time. 🇺🇸☕