CINCINNATI — Which consumer habits will persist beyond the pandemic? Which pre-pandemic habits will resume? Executives of the Kroger Co. are looking at data to chart its course forward. W. Rodney McMullen, chairman and chief executive officer, said more than half of customers of the nation's largest supermarket chain expect a return to normal by July. As such, larger gatherings for the summer holidays may be in store. "We are also seeing customers shop more frequently as COVID restrictions ease," McMullen said during a June 17 earnings call.