If you’ve lived in Columbus for more than a week, you’ve probably heard the stories. People talk about the Kroger on Morse Road like it’s a gauntlet. They mention the security, the lines, and that one-way-in, one-way-out vibe that feels more like an airport terminal than a grocery store.
Honestly? It’s complicated.
This isn't your average suburban "soccer mom" Kroger where you wander the aisles for forty minutes looking for artisanal honey. This is the Kroger Northland Village location at 1745 Morse Rd, and it is a beast of a business. It’s one of the highest-volume stores in the entire Columbus division. Back in the day, it was pulling in $900,000 a week. That’s nearly a million dollars in milk, bread, and rotisserie chickens every single seven-day cycle.
The Reality of Shopping at 1745 Morse Road
Most people get it wrong because they expect it to be easy. It’s not easy. It’s a high-speed, high-stakes environment.
You’ve got to know the layout before you even park. The parking lot is notoriously chaotic, especially near the fuel center. Pro tip: park further out by the old Sears side of the plaza if you value your car’s door panels. Once you’re inside, the scale hits you. This place is massive.
What’s Actually Inside?
- The Little Clinic: A full walk-in medical center. You can get a flu shot or a physical while your partner hunts for avocados.
- Murray’s Cheese: Surprisingly high-end for a store that feels so "inner-city."
- Starbucks: Located right near the entrance. It's usually slammed.
- Full Pharmacy: Open until 8:00 PM on weekdays, though they do close for lunch from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM.
- Liquor Store: One of the few Krogers in the city authorized to sell the hard stuff.
The store underwent a massive renovation years ago, moving from the old building across the street into this "super" format. But with that size came the bottlenecks. Lately, shoppers have been complaining loudly on Reddit and local forums about the "fortress" feel.
Why the security? Well, it’s no secret that Morse Road has seen a spike in retail theft. Kroger responded by closing off one of the main entrances and implementing receipt checks at the door. It’s annoying. It creates a bottleneck where you’re stuck behind three carts while a security guard scans a slip of paper. But from a business perspective, they’re trying to keep the doors open in an area where other retailers (like the old Refugee Road location) simply gave up and moved out.
Why the "Ghost Town" Rumors are Mostly Wrong
There’s been some talk lately about the store being empty. Some folks noticed a dip in traffic around late 2025.
Don’t be fooled.
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If you go in on a Saturday at 4:00 PM, especially during a Buckeyes game or right after EBT benefits drop at the start of the month, it is still a madhouse. The "empty" feeling people describe usually happens during off-peak morning hours or because the store is so big it swallows a hundred shoppers without looking crowded.
However, there is a legitimate issue with stocking. You’ll often see pallets of UNFI boxes or blue Kroger crates sitting in the aisles. It’s not that they don’t have the food; it’s that they can't get it onto the shelves fast enough. The labor market for grocery workers in Central Ohio has been tight since the 2022 strike authorizations, and Morse Road feels that pinch more than the "fancier" stores in Dublin or New Albany.
Handling the Logistics (Hours & Contact)
If you’re planning a trip, don't just wing it.
The main grocery store is open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day. Don't show up at 11:05 PM expecting the doors to slide open; they are strict.
The pharmacy has different hours:
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- Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The phone number for the main desk is 614-405-9400. If you need the pharmacy specifically, call 614-405-9401.
The Western Union Factor
Here is a weird bit of trivia most people don't know: this specific store has historically done the most Western Union wire business in the state of Ohio.
Think about that.
It’s a hub for the local immigrant community and people sending money back home. That’s why the front service desk always looks like the line for a popular rollercoaster. It’s not just people returning spoiled milk; it’s a critical financial hub for the Northland area.
Is it Worth Shopping Here?
If you want a peaceful, quiet experience? No. Go to the Kroger on Sunbury Road or the one in Westerville.
But if you want variety? Yes. Because of the diverse neighborhood, the international section at the Kroger on Morse Road is often better than the suburban locations. You’ll find spices, grains, and produce that just aren't stocked in the "whiter" parts of town.
Just be prepared for the reality of 2026 retail. You will be recorded on camera. You will probably have to scan your own groceries because only two "human" registers are open. You will have to show your receipt.
It’s a high-volume, high-friction environment that serves a vital purpose in Columbus.
Actionable Advice for Your Next Visit
- Time it right: If you value your sanity, go Tuesday or Wednesday morning around 9:00 AM. Avoid the 1st and 15th of the month like the plague.
- Use the App: Digital coupons are the only way to get the "real" prices here. The signal inside the store can be spotty, so clip your coupons before you walk through the sliding doors.
- Check your produce: Because of the stocking issues mentioned earlier, items can sit on those pallets longer than they should. Inspect your berries. Look at the bottom of the bag.
- Don't fight the receipt check: It’s not the worker's fault. They’re just trying to get through their shift without a manager breathing down their neck. Keep your receipt in your hand, not buried in a bag.
If you need a specific hard-to-find item or a prescription filled, call ahead to the pharmacy at 614-405-9401 to ensure it's actually in stock before you battle the Morse Road traffic. This store is a pillar of the Northland community, but it requires a bit of "street smarts" to navigate efficiently.