Cincinnati, Ohio-based Kroger Co, the largest grocer in the US with around 2,000 outlets, yesterday [Tuesday] reported that total sales in its 12-week Q4, ended 2 February 2002, had fallen 4.4%. Adjusting for the extra week in the Q4 2000, Q4 sales climbed 3% to reach US$12.1bn. On the same basis, total food store sales rose 3.4%. Comparable food store sales, which include relocations and expansions, rose 0.3%, while identical food store sales declined 0.3%. Both figures include sales at supermarket fuel centers.