Abstract

The case Kroger’s Cloud Strategy: From Retailer to Technology Company? describes the various measures taken by US retail giant The Kroger Company (Kroger) to use cloud computing to enhance the shopping experience of its customers. The case starts out by providing a brief history of Kroger that is considered to be an innovator and pioneer in the US food retail industry. It then delves into the details of the strategic partnerships that Kroger had with technology giants Google, LLC and Microsoft Corporation to develop retail innovations using their cloud platforms. The case also takes an indepth look at the various new retail technologies that Kroger’s in-house technology division developed and launched. Kroger’s retail technologies not only disrupted the retail space, but were also expected to have extensive scope for commercialization. The implications of adopting innovative retail technologies for the company’s financials and market position are also discussed in detail. Can Kroger successfully commercialize its retail technologies and eventually become a technology company that sells groceries?

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Identify the current trends in cloud computing and retail technology
• Comprehend cloud-based software services and tools
• Understand the concepts of hybrid cloud and multi-cloud
• Design an appropriate cloud strategy
• Analyze the issues to be considered when selecting a cloud service provider

Keywords

Multi-Cloud; Hybrid Cloud; Cloud Platform; Azure; Google Cloud Platform; Retail Technology; Innovation; Technology Commercialization; Strategic Partnerships; Retail Industry Trends; Disruption; Cloud Service Provider; Cloud Strategy; Competitive Strategy; Customer Experience