MANCHESTER, N.H. —

A Consumer Reports investigation has raised privacy concerns about retail loyalty programs, revealing that Kroger, a major U.S. grocery chain, collects and profits from detailed shopper data.

Signing up for a store loyalty program can unlock big savings: digital coupons tailored just for you, discounts at the pump, even important safety alerts about product recalls. For many shoppers, it feels like a no-brainer.

"There's a price for those perks, and it's usually your information," said Derek Kravitz, an investigative reporter with Consumer Reports.

Kravitz explained that store chains often collect personal information such as names, addresses, email addresses and phone numbers, and analyze shopping habits. While many retailers engage in this practice, Kroger is doing

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