Kroger CEO says grocer offers customers more than Wal-Mart

Kroger CEO: we offer more than Wal-Mart

CINCINNATI — Kroger Co.’s CEOs says the grocer has more weapons than price in its arsenal in the fight for recession-pinched shoppers.

Retail giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has signaled that more price rollbacks are ahead as stores try to rebound from slow or falling sales of groceries. Shoppers have sought lower prices, drawing some to warehouse clubs and dollar stores.

But David B. Dillon, chairman and CEO of Cincinnati-based Kroger, says the nation’s largest traditional grocer is adding frequent shoppers. He says that’s important for long-term growth.

Dillon told an investor meeting Tuesday in New York that Kroger competes on price, but also offers a better shopping experience than Wal-Mart and other discount competitors.