Kroger Shutters Ship Service After Failing To Compete With Amazon, Walmart
Kroger will no longer be using Ship.
Kroger has announced that it will no longer offer its Ship service, an online marketplace that provided home delivery for its third-party products, after the company discovered that it could not compete with similar offerings by Amazon, Walmart, and others.
According to WLWT 5, customers are still advised to order through the grocer’s Pickup and Delivery options. Kroger did not give a cause for the shutdown on its website, but the service was quietly withdrawn in March 2025.
The grocer debuted Ship in 2018 and expanded it in 2020 to include third-party products.
The Ship service provided third-party products that may or may not have been available at a local Kroger location. Grocery Dive initially reported the development on May 13, stating that a note was posted on the platform announcing its termination. Though the note is no longer available, the chain’s FAQ page does state, “As of March 2025, Kroger is no longer selling third party items via Ship to Home. You can still place orders with us online through our Pickup and Delivery services.”
The FAQ page also claims that qualifying returns will be accepted at a nearby location.
Kroger, which owns brands such as Ralph’s, King Soopers, Fred Meyer’s, and others, did not respond to USA Today‘s request for comment about the matter on May 18.
Kroger Going on a Hiring Spree
While Kroger’s Ship service is no longer available, the popular grocer has announced that it is going on a hiring spree of 15,000 people in an attempt to “enhance the customer experience.”
The grocery company announced the hiring of additional staff for positions such as cashiers, baggers, deli bakery clerks, pharmacy technicians, and delivery drivers. Kroger hopes to attract new applicants by emphasizing the opportunity to develop their employment into a long-term career.
“Led by Our Purpose to Feed the Human Spirit, we are hiring dedicated associates who share our commitment to be Fresh for Everyone in delivering fresh, affordable food and exceptional customer experiences,” said Tim Massa, executive vice president and chief associate experience officer, in a statement. “We invite future associates to make a home at Kroger and discover a fresh opportunity with competitive pay and benefits, flexible schedules, and a promise to invest in your future.”
