Kroger in Hinton is a lifeline for the community. It's the only "big name" chain supermarket around, possibly in the county (we are a one stoplight town). So in addition to being an important resource it is also a major employer.
It's definitely aging in terms of the building but it is well kept up otherwise. I personally have not seen anything horrible (which I have in other places/other supermarkets). The staff is very kind and helpful.
This Kroger carries a surprisingly good assortment of "hippie" products, the sort of thing you find at Whole Foods (which don't exist in West Virginia). It has a good assortment of organic and vegetarian items, as well as local niche offerings including milk in glass bottles, and (fairly) local sausage and beef.
They also often carry some 'chi-chi' items, especially in the arena of pickles and condiments and sauces; I got the Truff hot sauce there a while back, and today I picked up some pretty fabulous looking pickles.
All in all, as Coastal "Elites" we find most of our needs met pretty well by this small town Kroger. Would I like to see it upgraded? Of course! But I think they are doing a good job serving the town. read more