TAMPA, FL - As the e-commerce space grows increasingly more competitive as a result of evolving consumer behaviors, Kroger is making a strategic play to establish its presence as a leading retailer. Entering a new market, Kroger announced it is officially offering grocery delivery in Tampa, Florida.

The company’s Florida warehouse is described as an “exciting arm” of Kroger’s massive fulfillment center in Groveland, according to Tampa Bay Business Journal. The Orlando warehouse, which is a result of the retailer’s partnership with British e-commerce giant Ocado, began delivering groceries in Central Florida in early April, and the Tampa warehouse will provide Kroger Fresh products to the coast. Kroger’s customer fulfillment centers complete delivery orders within a 90-mile radius.

A Kroger spokeswoman has confirmed that deliveries have commenced in Tampa in an email on Sunday, according to the source. This move signifies a key expansion for the retailer, as it marks its entry into the Tampa market. Kroger currently has three other locations in Florida, located in Groveland and Fernandina Beach.

The company kicked off an ambitious expansion plan with the opening of its first U.S. Customer Fulfillment Center in Monroe, Ohio, a city just north of Cincinnati, back in April.

"We're incredibly proud to achieve this milestone that advances our position as one of America's leading e-commerce companies," Rodney McMullen, Chairman and CEO, said when the Monroe facility opened. "The momentum we're experiencing is well-timed with the evolution of Kroger Delivery, underpinning the permanent shift in grocery consumer behavior and need for enterprising and modern e-commerce and last-mile solutions—today's true competitive horsepower."

With this pivotal expansion under its belt, what will the retailer accomplish next? Keep clicking on ANUK to find out.

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