Kroger has laid off an unspecified number of workers at 84.51°, its retail analytics subsidiary, a spokesperson for the supermarket company confirmed Monday.
The layoffs at the data analysis unit stem from an effort by the grocery company to “focus on the key priorities that power our go-to-market strategy,” the spokesperson said in a statement, without indicating when the layoffs took or will take effect.
“Kroger is committed to providing our customers the freshest food at affordable prices,” the spokesperson said. “As part of this prioritization work and improved efficiencies, we restructured a few teams and eliminated a small number of roles.”
The Cincinnati Enquirer first reported the news about the job reductions at 84.51°.
84.51° uses loyalty program data to develop insights about shopping behavior for use by Kroger as well as third-party clients including consumer packaged goods companies. The unit also includes Kroger Precision Marketing, the grocer’s retail media operation.
The job cuts at 84.51° follow Kroger’s disclosure in February that it had eliminated some corporate roles, which the grocery company also characterized as being related to its “go-to-market strategy.”
The layoffs come as Kroger looks to steady itself in the wake of its failed attempt to merge with rival Albertsons, which also recently eliminated corporate roles. Kroger is also searching for a new chief executive to replace former CEO Rodney McMullen, who resigned suddenly earlier this month following an investigation by the company’s board that concluded his personal conduct violated its ethics policy.
Kroger created 84.51° in 2015 when it acquired technology and other assets from data analysis firm Dunnhumby’s U.S. division, which it previously partnered with through a joint venture. The arrangement freed Dunnhumby to work with U.S. retailers other than Kroger.
