CINCINNATI, OH - Kroger has been chasing growth by expanding into and testing new sectors. The retailer has been dabbling in foodservice, plant-based meat, and new shopping formats, in an effort to remain competitive and innovative. Now, Kroger has partnered up with the holy trinity of delivery services—UPS, FedEx, and USPS—to test a new program that offers its customers more diverse services when shopping.

Dubbed Kroger Package Services (KPS), the new program allows select Kroger locations to accept and safely store packages from major carriers, UPS, FedEx, and USPS, which customers can then pick up later, according to Business Insider. Through the program, customers will also be able to drop off pre-labeled packages or unboxed items to ship anywhere in the U.S., the news source reports. Customers dropping off unlabeled packages will have access to automated kiosks where they can purchase and print their own shipping labels.

"Kroger Package Services is one of several ongoing tests we have in market to further develop our portfolio of seamless customer experiences," a spokesperson said. "The pilot allows us to test and learn in a retail setting, gaining useful insights from both customers and associates."

The retailer plans to test the KPS program in 220 stores this year, according to internal documents the news source reviewed. Kroger plans to capitalize on the growing grocery delivery sector, and has high hopes that the new program will encourage further shopping.

"When customers enter our doors to take advantage of KPS, there is a high likelihood they will purchase additional items in store," a document stated.

What will be the consumer reaction to the new program? AndNowUKnow will deliver updates.

Kroger