Kroger May Be Charging You Too Much for Groceries, Consumer Reports Says

You may be paying more than you should at a major grocery store chain. Kroger grocery stores have a problem with their price tags, resulting in shoppers paying full price for some items that are labeled as being on sale. The issue was uncovered by Consumer Reports during a three month-long investigation.

Why You Might Be Paying More

Consumer Reports started examining prices after employees at Kroger stores in Colorado, during union negotiations, said that errors on price labels have been a problem for years. They said price tags aren’t always removed when a sale or promotion ends, so shoppers pay full price for items that have expired discount or sale tags.

The chain has also been the subject of class-action lawsuits alleging pricing errors in California, Illinois, Ohio, and Utah. Kroger owns other stores, including Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Harris Teeter, and Ralphs.

How Consumer Reports Uncovered Pricing Errors

In March, April, and May, Consumer Reports sent people shopping at more than two dozen Kroger and Kroger-owned stores in 14 states and the District of Columbia. The shoppers found sale labels that had expired, resulting in overcharges on more than 150 items. The report found an average overcharge of $1.70 per item, or 18.4 percent.

“Our findings suggest the typical Kroger shopper ends up paying far more for what they think are discounted items—all during a time of inflation and economic uncertainty,” Consumer Reports wrote.

Experts who were asked to examine the findings told Consumer Reports that the price label mistakes could be in violation of federal and state laws that protect consumers. Kroger responded to Consumer Reports that the company is “committed to affordable and accurate pricing” and that it reviews “millions of items weekly to ensure our shelf prices are accurate.” 

The company told Consumer Reports, “While any error is unacceptable, the characterization of widespread pricing concerns is patently false.”

Tips To Avoid Overpaying

Store employees quickly corrected shopping errors when they were pointed out, according to Consumer Reports, but likely many shoppers unknowingly overpaid at the checkout. To make sure you’re paying the prices you’re supposed to, be savvy when shopping. Registered dietitian and health consultant Amy Goodson offers these tips.

• Use self-checkout. “If you are personally doing the food scanning, you can keep track of the prices and if the discounts are showing up appropriately,” Goodson says.
• Pay attention. Watch the prices, particularly for sale items and produce that is charged by weight. But you really have to be alert at the end of the transaction. “Typically, discounts are subtracted when you select ‘pay now,’ so make sure those items reduce in price when you check out.”
• Double-check coupons. If you’re using coupons—in the app or physical coupons—make sure they all scan at the end.
• Speak up. If you think something scanned incorrectly, point it out immediately. “It’s easier to fix on the spot than after you leave the store,” Goodson says.