You’re driving down Stafford Drive, maybe coming from the interstate or just cutting through town, and you see that big blue sign. For most of us in Mercer County, the Kroger in Princeton WV is just where you go when the fridge looks depressing. But honestly, if you’re just running in for milk and eggs, you’re probably missing about half of what the place actually offers.
It’s the only Kroger in the immediate Princeton area, located at 1229 Stafford Dr, Princeton, WV 24740. That makes it a massive hub. Because there isn't another one for miles—unless you want to trek over to Bluefield or Hinton—this specific location carries a lot of weight for the community.
Finding Your Way Around the Stafford Drive Store
Most people think of this as just a grocery store. It’s not. It’s basically a logistics center for your life. The main store hours are pretty generous, usually running from 7 AM to 10 PM daily.
If you’ve ever tried to navigate that parking lot on a Friday afternoon, you know it's a zoo. The layout inside is standard Kroger, but they’ve crammed a lot into this footprint. You’ve got the deli and bakery on one side, which, let's be real, is the only reason some of us show up (the fried chicken is surprisingly solid).
But then there's the stuff people overlook. The Coinstar kiosk is tucked away there for when you finally decide to dump that jar of pennies. There’s a Rug Doctor rental section. They even have a Western Union setup if you need to send money. It’s these "store within a store" features that actually make the Princeton location useful beyond just buying cereal.
Pharmacy and Health Logistics
The pharmacy here is a busy spot. It’s open 8 AM to 8 PM Monday through Friday, with shorter hours on the weekends (9 AM to 6 PM Saturday and 10 AM to 5 PM Sunday).
Important Note: They close every day for lunch from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM. Don't be that person standing at the gate looking confused while the pharmacists are trying to eat their sandwiches.
You can call them directly at 304-487-1155. They do the standard stuff: refills, vaccinations (flu, COVID, Shingles), and they even have a drive-thru. If you’re dealing with the typical West Virginia winter and don't want to get out of the car, that drive-thru is a lifesaver.
Why the Fuel Center is the Real MVP
Let's talk about the Kroger in Princeton WV gas station. It sits out in the lot, separate from the main building. It’s open even earlier and later than the store—usually 6 AM to 11 PM.
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The Fuel Points system is basically a local sport here. You buy groceries, you get points. Every 100 points gets you 10 cents off a gallon. If you’re strategic and hit those "4x Fuel Points on Gift Cards" events they run periodically, you can easily knock a dollar off per gallon.
- Pro Tip: You can actually use your points at participating Shell stations too, but usually, the Kroger pumps right there on Stafford Drive are the most convenient.
- Keep in Mind: You can only use points for one fill-up (up to 35 gallons), so make it count.
The Digital Shift: Pickup and Delivery in Princeton
Kroger has been pushing their "Boost" membership hard lately. Basically, it’s their version of Amazon Prime but for groceries. In a town like Princeton, where some folks live way out in the hollows or up on the ridges, delivery is a game changer.
You order on the app, and someone else deals with the aisles. For pickup, you just pull into the designated blue spots on the side of the building. They bring it out and load it. No fee if your order is over $35.
Honestly, the delivery side is where things get interesting. They’ve partnered with Instacart for the fast stuff, but they also have their own refrigerated trucks for scheduled deliveries. If you're stuck at home or just don't want to deal with the crowds, paying the delivery fee (or getting it free with Boost) is often worth the sanity you save.
What Most People Miss: The Regional Nuance
Because this is a Mercer County staple, the inventory is a bit different than what you’d find in a Kroger in, say, Columbus or Richmond. They carry more local favorites. You’ll see brands and items that cater to the Appalachian palate.
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They also accept SNAP EBT for both in-store and online pickup orders. This is a huge deal for local accessibility. Not every grocery app makes it easy to use EBT, but Kroger has integrated it pretty smoothly into their checkout flow.
A Few Realities to Consider
Look, no store is perfect. During peak times (right after work or Sunday after church), the lines at the Kroger in Princeton WV can get long. The self-checkout area is usually hopping.
If you want the freshest produce, try to go Tuesday or Wednesday mornings. That’s generally when the big restocking happens after the weekend rush. Also, check the "Manager's Specials" in the meat and deli section. If you're planning to cook something that night, you can find some ridiculous deals on steak or chicken that’s nearing its sell-by date.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
If you want to maximize your trip to the Princeton Kroger, here is how you should actually do it:
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- Download the App First: Don't just walk in. Clip your digital coupons while you're sitting in the parking lot. The "Weekly Ad" isn't just paper anymore; the best deals are hidden in the "Special Picks" section of the app.
- Check the Fuel Points: Before you fill up at the Stafford Drive pumps, check your receipt or the app to see if you have points expiring at the end of the month.
- Use the Pharmacy Drive-Thru: If you're just picking up a script, don't park. Use the window. It saves you ten minutes of walking through the store and resisting the temptation to buy snacks you don't need.
- Time Your Trip: If you hate crowds, avoid the 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM window. Go at 8:00 PM on a Tuesday. It’s a ghost town, and you can actually browse without getting hit by a stray cart.
The Kroger in Princeton WV isn't just a grocery store; it's a utility. Whether you're there for the pharmacy, the fuel, or a last-minute gallon of milk, knowing the "system" of the store makes the whole experience way less stressful.
To get the most out of your next trip, log into the Kroger app and link your Plus Card. This ensures you're getting the actual sale prices and racking up those fuel points automatically every time you scan at the register.