CINCINNATI—Kroger Co. executives will face shareholders Thursday in Cincinnati, fresh off a strong earnings report.
The grocery store operator reported Tuesday that first-quarter profits jumped nearly 13 percent. Kroger stores have been able to attract shoppers who are cutting down on restaurant spending and looking for bargains and lower-priced store brands in the recession.
However, the company has several labor contracts to settle this year. Denver-area workers recently voted overwhelmingly against a five-year offer, and Kroger’s King Soopers unit has asked a federal judge to block union representatives from coming into stores to talk to employees while they’re working.
Contract talks also have begun in Arizona and Dayton, Ohio.
