SoCal equivalent of Kroger is Ralphs and Food4Less. Ralphs so far, no problems. Food4Less, only once got a comment from a store clerk but not ever a manager. CVS is carpeted, so at most I've got looks at the one I do business regularly in my area; while others said nothing. The key is to have a deliberate business need, not just meander the store. If I'm shopping, and especially if I have a shopping list in my hand, I am much less likely to be approached than if I am just meandering and looking (they might especially watch the barefooter more as a potential shoplifter). In fact, two times I've had management comment to me (one at a Walmart and one at a Costco) was because I asked them where to find an item and they saw my bare feet.
Thats sad you dont have freedom to just wander shops. In new zealand we do just that. We go to the mall just to meander thru shops and have coffee. At times I sit opposite my man just so he can see my now dirty shop feet. I love the feel under foot of textures and temp. Of ahop floors.and yeah do EVERYTHING barefoot.!!