CINCINNATI — Digital sales at the Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) increased 92 percent in the first quarter, according to the company’s latest financial results. Total company sales were $42 billion in the first quarter, compared with $37 billion for the same period last year. Cincinnati-based Kroger does not separately break out its e-commerce sales from total sales. Excluding fuel and dispositions, sales grew 19.1 percent. Kroger’s first quarter ended on May 23. Kroger says its most urgent priority during the pandemic has been “to provide a safe environment for associates and customers with open stores, e-commerce solutions and an efficiently operating supply chain.” Kroger has invested more than $830 million to reward associates and safeguard its employees, customers and communities. The company’s stock price closed at $31.80 per share on Thursday, June 18, up from $23.64 one year ago.
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