By Melody Korongwe
Kroger, one of the nation’s largest grocery retailers, is set to close approximately 60 stores nationwide over the next 18 months, a move the company says is part of a strategic effort to enhance profitability and reinvest in the customer experience.
The decision, which will impact approximately 2% of Kroger’s more than 2,700 locations, was first announced in June as part of the company’s first-quarter 2025 sales report.
Interim CEO Ron Sargent addressed the closures during a conference call, stating that the affected locations were “unprofitable” and “scattered nationwide.”
While Kroger has not released a complete list of the stores, several closures have been confirmed by a combination of local media reports and the United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) union.
Despite the closures, Kroger reaffirmed its commitment to investing in its business, with plans to spend between $3.6 billion and $3.8 billion this year on capital expenditures, including the construction of new stores and the renovation of existing ones.
The company anticipates a “modest financial benefit” from the shutdowns, which it will then “reinvest… back into the customer experience,” according to a company statement.
The closures are not without criticism, particularly from unions. Faye Guenther, president of UFCW 3000, which represents workers in the Puget Sound area, stated, “Kroger’s closures put profit over people, plain and simple.”
She also noted that many of the stores slated for closure are in working-class communities, raising concerns about food access for residents.
Kroger has publicly stated it will offer roles in other stores to all associates currently employed at the closing locations. This is a crucial step to mitigate the impact on workers and a requirement stipulated in union contracts.
Below is a list of some of the confirmed and anticipated closures:
* Georgia:
* 11877 Douglas Road, Alpharetta (closing August 16)
* 3479 Memorial Drive, Decatur (closing September 13)
* 3855 Buford Highway, Brookhaven (closing October 18)
* Illinois:
* Mariano’s: 144 S Gary Ave., Bloomingdale (closing by August 15)
* Mariano’s: 2323 Capital Dr., Northbrook (closing by August 22)
* Mariano’s: 450 W. Half Day Road, Buffalo Grove (closing August 8)
* Virginia:
* 1904 Emmett Street, Charlottesville (closing August 22)
* 466 South Cummings Street, Abingdon (closing September 19)
* West Virginia:
* 2908 State St., Gassaway (closing August 22)
Additional closures are also being reported for Kroger-owned chains, such as Fred Meyer and QFC, in other states. The closures in Washington, for example, have also drawn public criticism and concern for community access to fresh food.
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