Kroger has agreed to accept Chase Pay, JPMorgan Chase's mobile wallet, starting next year in select markets. This is the first mobile payment method at the grocery chain.

The role of registered dietitians at grocery chain Kroger has evolved from providing free services to shoppers to working as part of the health care team at store-based clinics. Registered dietitian nutritionist Eileen Myers, vice president of retail dietetics and nutrition solutions for The Little Clinic, said as people and physicians become more aware of what RDs can provide in the clinic setting, it increases the number of patients receiving nutrition programs and services.

Yael Cosset will be the Kroger Co.'s new chief digital officer, succeeding Kevin Dougherty, who is credited with the creation of the retailer's growing ClickList grocery pickup program. Cosset most recently served as an executive with the agencies 84.51° and dunnhumby.

Cincinnati-based Kroger Co. will buy regional rival Roundy's for about $178 million, the companies said Wednesday. Roundy's operates 151 grocery stores and 101 pharmacies in Wisconsin and Illinois, under several banners including Mariano's, Pick 'n Save and Metro Market. The combined company will have 2,774 supermarkets in 35 states and Washington, D.C.