You’re driving down South High, past the old neon and the sprawl of the Great Southern Shopping Center, and there it is. The Kroger. Most people in Columbus just call it "the South High Kroger," but if you've lived here long enough, you know it's basically the anchor of the neighborhood. It’s a weirdly fascinating spot.
Honestly, if you just look at the outside, it looks like any other big-box grocery store. But step inside and you’ll realize this place handles a volume of humanity that would make most suburban stores crumble. It's busy. Like, "don't go on a Sunday afternoon unless you have nerves of steel" busy.
Why the Kroger on South High Street Is More Than a Grocery Store
Located at 3637 S High St, this isn't just a place to grab a gallon of milk. It’s a community hub. Because it sits right in the Great Southern area, it serves a massive, diverse demographic from the South Side, Merion Village, and even folks heading north from Shadeville.
People have big opinions about this store.
💡 You might also like: Salary of CEO of AARP: What Most People Get Wrong
Go on Reddit or Yelp and you’ll see the drama. Some folks swear by the staff—who, let’s be real, have seen everything—while others complain about the lines. But here is the thing: this location manages a pharmacy, a Little Clinic, a fuel center, and a full-service deli while being one of the most high-traffic stops on the South Side. It's an logistical beast.
The Pharmacy and Health Hustle
The pharmacy here is a lifesaver for the zip code 43207. It’s open 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM most weekdays (though it closes for lunch from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM, so don't get caught in that gap). They do more than just pills. You've got the Little Clinic right there, which is huge for people who can't get into a primary care doctor for a quick strep test or a flu shot.
- Vaccines: You can usually walk in, but booking online is smarter.
- The Little Clinic: Great for minor stuff like ear infections or sports physicals.
- Refills: Use the app. Seriously. Don't be the person waiting in line for 20 minutes just to ask if a script is ready.
Shopping Strategy: Surviving the Rush
If you show up at 5:30 PM on a Tuesday, you're going to have a bad time. The South High Street crowd is real. To keep your sanity, you've gotta time it.
Early mornings? Bliss. 7:00 AM on a Wednesday feels like a different planet. The aisles are clear, the produce is fresh, and you can actually hear your own thoughts. By midday, the energy shifts. The store is currently operating with a mix of self-checkout and traditional lanes, though like many modern Krogers, there’s a heavy lean toward self-service.
The Evolution of South High Retail
Wait, did you know the first "supermarket" in Columbus was actually a Kroger on South High? Not this specific building, but back in 1931, Kroger opened a massive, "ultra-modern" store at 177-179 S. High St. It was a big deal—black vitrolite storefront, chromium letters, and a luncheonette.
That history matters because it shows how Kroger has basically owned this corridor for nearly a century. The current Great Southern location has gone through several facelifts. In 2024 and 2025, Kroger poured millions into their Columbus Division. While the "Marketplace" stores in Jerome Village get the flashy headlines, the workhorse stores like this one are what keep the company's lights on.
What You Need to Know About the Inventory
Freshness can be hit or miss depending on the day. That’s just being honest. Because the turnover is so high, the "Best By" dates move fast.
- Produce: Usually solid, but check your berries. High volume means stuff gets moved quickly, but occasionally things get bruised in the rush.
- Meat Counter: They have a decent selection, but it’s not a boutique butcher shop. If you want a specific cut of lamb, call ahead.
- The Deli: Their fried chicken is surprisingly elite. Don't sleep on it.
Security and the Shopping Experience
You might notice more security here than at the Kroger in, say, Upper Arlington. It’s a reality of the location. There are often guards at the door, and sometimes they check receipts.
Some shoppers find it annoying. Others feel safer because of it. It’s a polarizing topic in the local community groups, but it hasn't stopped the store from being packed. If you're prepared for it, it's just part of the routine.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Trip
If you're heading to the Kroger on South High Street, don't just wing it.
- Check the Fuel Points: The fuel center is on-site. If you’re buying groceries anyway, those 4x points Fridays are a massive discount on gas.
- Pickup is a Cheat Code: If you hate crowds, use the Kroger Pickup service. You park, they bring it out. It saves you from navigating the "aisle 4 traffic jams."
- Scan as You Shop: Use the app to scan items as you put them in your cart. It makes the exit process way faster.
- Parking Hack: The lot is huge but confusing. Try parking further out toward South High itself rather than crowding near the front doors; you’ll get out of the lot five minutes faster.
The South High Kroger is a microcosm of Columbus—busy, diverse, a little rough around the edges, but ultimately reliable. It’s been a staple for decades, and despite the competition from the Walmart next door, it remains the go-to for thousands of South Side residents. Know the hours, avoid the Sunday rush, and keep your receipt handy. You'll be fine.