(CNN)– Kroger is urging customers to bring exact change due to a national coin shortage. The grocery store chain is asking shoppers to consider providing exact change when using cash for payment, but the retailer will continue accepting pennies for payment.

While The Kroger Co. first dipped its toe into digital transformation 15 years ago with the rollout of its original mobile app, the company has since made leaps and bounds in the digital space in an effort to evolve alongside its customers.

While Kroger has lagged behind the SPX over the past year, Wall Street analysts maintain a moderately optimistic outlook on the stock’s prospects.

The grocers will be among the first retailers to implement Cart Assistant, a tool that lets shoppers build baskets by conversing with a chatbot.

Kroger Original Egg Nog ($4.69) is back on shelves in time for Christmas. “The taste is outstanding! It sure would be great if you kept it in stock!” one happy shopper said. This seasonal treat is also available in cinnamon and pumpkin flavors.

I grew up in northwest Houston and before H-E-B became the grocery powerhouse it is today, my family often shopped at Kroger, especially the Veterans Memorial location. On Monday morning, I stopped by to pick up some groceries for a relative who lives nearby and was shocked to see the store set to close by the end of the week.

Kroger will hold the grand opening of their fourth store in Clarksville – this one a larger Marketplace location – on Wednesday, Nov. 5

The recalled products are associated with 27 cases and 6 deaths, including a case in North Carolina. Here's what we know.