Origins & Early Life

Bernard Heinrich "Henry" Kroger (January 24, 1860 – July 21, 1938) was an American businessman who created the Kroger chain of supermarkets. Kroger was a pioneering grocery innovator who introduced self-service shopping to the public in 1895. He allowed customers to enter his stores, shop with prices clearly marked on every item, and take the merchandise home themselves instead of waiting for a delivery. Kroger pioneered in-store bakeries and in-store fresh meat butchery.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Kroger grocery stores were the first in the country to sell freshly baked goods, meat, and groceries under the same roof. Kroger was known for his philanthropy and donated to parks, hospitals, and medical research. Kroger was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the fifth of ten children of German immigrants Johan Heinrich and Mary Gertrude (née Schlebbe) Kroger. Kroger's mother was born in Elve, Westphalia. His father John Henry came from Lüsche in the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg (today a part of Bakum) and was born in nearby Addrup.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Kroger's family lived above the dry goods store his parents owned. Due to the 1873 economic downturn, they had to close the failing store. Kroger quit school and went to work at age...

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