In its last quarterly results American food retailer Kroger reached a milestone, achieving 40 consecutive quarters of like-for-like sales increases.

In its third quarter to November 9, Kroger recorded a 3.5% identical supermarket sales gain. That was on top of a 3.2% comp a year ago.

There’s no sign of momentum stopping as the company expects identical supermarket sales growth, excluding fuel, in the 3% to 3.5% range in its fourth quarter.

How is it that, while others are struggling with disappointing results because of a downturn in shopper spend and shifting demographics, Kroger is managing to sail through every results announcement unscathed?

Kroger maintains the customer will always be at the centre of its operation and as a result it invests heavily to ensure a strong relationship with shoppers.

The retailer has historically focused on improving existing store performance and productivity levels instead of opening new stores. Kroger also runs a popular loyalty scheme that encourages return visits.

At present one of its key initiatives involves working with data analysis company Dunnhumby to mine Kroger’s extensive shopper loyalty programme database and use the insights it gains to solve customer needs through both traditional and digital channels. Such tactics have resulted in high shopper loyalty levels, which are credited with driving like-for-like sales growth.

Consistently positive like-for-likes have enabled Kroger to better leverage operating costs, thereby freeing cash to invest in the shopping experience.

However, Kroger is now getting more aggressive about future growth. This year the retailer began increasing its capital expenditure budget by about $200m (£122.4m) annually, in large part to fuel square footage increases in existing markets as well as enter new geographic areas.

Kroger was wise to reinvest during the US’s economic downturn and prudent to wait until rivals’ poor performances led to store closures and insolvency before it expanded.

In July Kroger revealed its intention to purchase regional supermarket operator Harris Teeter - quite a strategic move on its part. By acquiring Harris Teeter, Kroger has expanded its store base by 212 locations in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic markets without having to develop new stores from scratch. The next year will signal whether Kroger can work its magic on the newly acquired chain.