As supermarkets around the country adjust hours, change plans, and continue to be fluid amongst the Coronavirus pandemic, Kroger ($KR) is maintaining its position as a leader in the industry by zagging when everyone else zigs. The chain announced its policy on hiring, promising to keep things as normal as is humanly possible in this unprecedented time in our lives.
"We have immediate positions available combined across our retail stores, manufacturing plants and distribution centers. Candidates may apply via http://jobs.kroger.com and could be placed for employment within several days of applying." - Kroger press release
But when we looked up the data, we haven't seen any noticeable spike in listings since the announcement. It's possible this is just a PR effort to direct people to the existing openings and assure them this crisis going on will not affect anything (like Kroger's bottom line). This is true because the stock price got bumped up despite no major fluctuations in any data, besides the number of people flooding stores to get essential items.
With all the screenshots online about empty store shelves, the panic over buying supplies have hit a fever pitch. Foot traffic by way of Facebook's 'Were Here' Count has stayed consistent over the past few days, until very recently where people flocked in droves to their local Kroger for food.
And if you want to know where your local supermarket is, why you wouldn't inherently know that already is beyond us, but you can take a look at our map of the major stores across the country. There are more Krogers' than any other chain, and if you don't believe us, just count them up!
About the Data:
Thinknum tracks companies using the information they post online - jobs, social and web traffic, product sales and app ratings - and creates data sets that measure factors like hiring, revenue and foot traffic. Data sets may not be fully comprehensive (they only account for what is available on the web), but they can be used to gauge performance factors like staffing and sales.
Further Reading:
- Companies around the world are fighting Coronavirus
- Coronavirus puts cleanliness - and Clorox - center stage on social media
- Hospitality hiring crushed by Coronavirus pandemic
