Kroger is making headlines once again, and this time it's not about low prices or holiday sales. The grocery giant has announced it will close 60 stores across the United States over the next 18 months.
This decision has sparked concern among shoppers, employees, and local communities.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about the kroger stores closing, what they mean for customers, and how to find out if your local store is affected.
Kroger says these closures are part of a strategic move. The company is targeting underperforming stores that are no longer financially viable.
In their recent earnings report, Kroger revealed that shutting down these locations will help them focus on more profitable stores and new investments.
Despite kroger closing 60 stores, the company plans to open over 30 new locations and invest in online shopping, pharmacy services, and private-label products.
This is less about downsizing and more about refocusing.
Not exactly.
In fact, Kroger’s overall performance is strong. Their Q1 2025 earnings showed a 3.2% increase in same-store sales, excluding fuel. Private-brand product sales are also on the rise.
The kroger closing 60 stores move is expected to generate $100 million in savings, which will be reinvested into improving the customer experience.
Their shares even jumped after the announcement, showing investor confidence in the plan.
Right now, Kroger has not released a full list of the 60 stores set to close.
That means customers don’t yet know if their neighborhood location is affected by the kroger stores closing plan.
The company said it will notify affected communities and employees in advance. If your local Kroger is on the list, you’ll likely hear about it through store notices or local news updates.
One of the biggest concerns is what happens to employees at locations that shut down.
Kroger has stated that employees from the closing locations will be offered transfers to other stores nearby. While that’s good news for some, it might not work for everyone depending on location and personal circumstances.
Unions and labor advocates are paying close attention to how Kroger handles the transitions.
If your neighborhood Kroger is closing, it could affect your daily routine—especially if you rely on it for groceries, prescriptions, or in-store services.
Here’s what you can do:
Check nearby Kroger-operated stores like Ralphs, King Soopers, Fred Meyer, or Smith's
Use the Kroger app to locate alternative stores or set up delivery
Stay alert for closure signs, announcements, or updates in-store
Yes, Kroger is closing stores, but that doesn’t mean they’re shrinking entirely. In fact, they plan to open more than 30 new stores in growing markets over the next year.
These new stores are expected to be more modern, tech-enabled, and better suited for today’s shopping habits.
So while the kroger stores closing announcement affects many, it’s also part of a long-term growth strategy.
Kroger’s decision to shut down 60 stores is part of a broader plan to modernize and compete more effectively.
Here’s where they’re focusing:
More investment in e-commerce and delivery
Expanded private-label product lines
Upgraded in-store technology and layouts
Improved pharmacy and healthcare offerings
The goal is to cut losses and put more resources into what works best for today’s shoppers.
If you're worried about your local store, here are a few simple steps:
Sign up for Kroger emails and mobile alerts
Ask store managers if they’ve heard anything official
Follow local news and Kroger’s website for updates
Knowing in advance can help you switch stores, plan alternative delivery options, and avoid last-minute stress.
Hearing that Kroger is closing stores might feel alarming, especially if you rely on your local branch. But this isn’t a sign that Kroger is failing.
Instead, it’s part of a larger plan to streamline operations, improve services, and shift resources to areas with better long-term potential.
The list of specific kroger stores closing hasn’t been released yet, but announcements are expected soon.
Stay updated, and don’t panic—Kroger is still very much in business and serving millions of customers daily.