Report: Kroger seeks to expand The Little Clinic business

CINCINNATI Kroger views its in-store health clinic business, The Little Clinic, as an important part of its commitment to health and wellness, and is in the midst of developing an expansion plan, according to a local report.

"It is part of our long-term plan," Kroger spokeswoman Meghan Glynn was quoted as saying in a Cincinnati Enquirer article. "Customers more and more are focused on health, fitness and wellness, especially with rising healthcare costs."

There are currently 80 Little Clinics inside select Kroger stores nationwide. The relationship between Kroger and the clinic operator began in 2003 when Kroger opened its first Little Clinic in a Kroger store in Louisville, Ky. In February, Kroger acquired The Little Clinic for, according to the news report, a price tag of $86 million.

Kroger had declined to comment on how it might change the business model or growth Little Clinic brand going forward.

As previously reported by Drug Store News, Michael Stoll, former VP corporate benefits for Kroger, was recently named CEO of The Little Clinic.