Kroger took advantage of its ad circular space last week by increasing its private label promotions, according to research done exclusively for PLBuyer’s eReport by Chicago-based market research firm Market Track.

Market Track data showed Kroger boosted private label promotions by 41.9 percent last week from the same time a year ago, one of six gainers among the 15 retailers followed by Market Data. Publix also showed gains with 26.4 percent more promotions than last year.

Target (-45.9 percent) and Rite-Aid (-40.5 percent) were among the nine retailers who had fewer private label promotions last week than they did a year ago.

Market Track’s analysis reflects regional versioning and market specific differences in circulars. This is accomplished through an extensive collections process, including physically obtaining the ads from the various markets in which they are distributed. In instances where retailers send additional circulars to a limited number of markets, Market Track’s information reflects these nuances to give a view of what is happening nationally.