Kroger — Local services in Oak Park

Can/bottle return area is DISGUSTING and employees are RUDE.

I normally shop next door at Aldi, but there are times when Aldi doesn't have what I need, so I thought I'd try Kroger. I figured it would be great because it's a known name, and literally next door! I was sorely mistaken. I went in to return cans and was rudely "greeted" by an employee who snapped that the recycle center wasn't inside the store. I hadn't approached her, yet she acted like I had interrupted her day, and I was a huge inconvenience. She grabbed the front of my cart and started marching me toward the opposite door and pointed me in the direction of the can/bottle return. I had to go back outside, walk across the front, around the corner, and go to the back of the building to get to the return center. A bit of a trek, but no big deal. But let me tell you - every return room has its own aroma, but saying I was assaulted by the stench when I walked into that room would be putting it gently. Not only was the smell nauseating, but there were puddles on the floor, carts were left and crammed in there, there was garbage all over, and only 2 of plastic/can machines were working. On top of that, the machine I was using kept refusing cans, despite the fact that it had accepted identical cans prior. The room looked like it hadn't been touched by an employee for DAYS. After I finished my business and had gone home, I realized I had lost a personal item. I called Kroger to enquire if anyone had turned it in. The first person that answered didn't even let me finish my sentence before cutting me off and transferring me. The next employee that answered (presumably the lost and found) barely took the time to listen to what I had to say before abruptly dismissing me and hanging up. The store itself might be nice and shiny, but don't let it fool you. I'm sorry, putting up with that disaster and those attitudes is just NOT worth it, especially with the prices they charge. I had hoped and expected more...

This Krogers is huge. It took over an old K Mart, and then expanded some. Completely remodeled, with no expense spared to remove all vestiges of the old store. This new store is very good and functional.

Enlarged deli, pizza, sushi, prepared salads and sandwiches, etc. All seem freshly made. There are almost too many choices. And everything looks good. I usually find Kroger's deli to be anywhere from good to great. If one is in a hurry to fix dinner, this is the place to go.

All the usual departments are expanded as well from frozen to cheese to meat to ethnic foods.

And the pharmacy department is actually spacious. And convenient. Special lighting, wide aisles, more products are available, and more.

Plus a helpful pharmacy department.

I was impressed by the wide diversity of offerings. In fact, it is almost too much. If you go through every department you'll spend at least 2 hours browsing. Of course walking about this store is good exercise...

So why did I give it only 3 stars? It's the people element. Or lack thereof.

I have shopped during off hours to Thanksgiving eve. Yet still the checkout lines were LONG!!! 30 MINUTE WAITS!!! Or more. If it were summer I wouldn't buy ice cream for it would be dripping before I got out the door.

I certainly wouldn't run in for just one or two items. Life is too short to wait this long.

I know there is a worker shortage, but still at this store it is bordering on the ridiculous.

And then there is the problem of unstocked shelves, which I know is not really the fault of the store. Yet, one would think after 2 years, they would have come up with some sort of viable solution.

In a perfect world this would've been a 5 star review. ...

May 8th 2025.Every single time I go to this location as they're about to open, there's 1 cashier who stands right at the door smoking. The smoke blows right in our faces Every time. You're supposed to stand 25 feet from the door. It's very rude and ugly! I've been really nice so far and not said anything but that may change. Not to mention they need to do better stocking products.Today a different day of original post- The male cashier attendant at self check out was very rude! We're trying to gather the bags as he can see and he says with attitude showing excuse me! Rolled his eyes and did what he should to complete the transaction. As I walked past he said something else and rolled his eyes. Don't take your personal issues out on the customers! He's at least in his 60's learn customer service or retire. May 13, 2025. Today August 31st 2025 the woman in charge if self checkout was rude! She didn't want to help the customers such a bad attitude so early in the morning. Today October 13th 2025 so were shopping for pork chops. There were none out so we saw a young man come from where they keep more. He was rude and asked what? We told him what were looking for. So he comes back out with another young man who looks us up and down and said "Hell naw!" Then came back out and pushed the cart and just walked off. This is a HORRIBLE LOCATION!!! They never have anything stocked, most of the employees are really rude! They were wearing I'm Anti Social sweatshirts...