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The nation's largest pure-play grocery chain, Kroger (KR), said sales at its established stores climbed for a 35th straight quarter, with growth in loyal customers and new families.
But costs climbed too, pinching margins at the parent of Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Ralphs and other chains. Net earnings declined slightly, though share-buybacks boosted earnings over analysts per-share forecasts. Cost-cutting and a loyalty rewards program also helped, the company said.
"Kroger shareholders once again....