If you’ve gotten used to the convenience of ordering everything from pantry staples to quirky kitchen gadgets through Kroger’s Ship marketplace, you might have noticed something missing lately.

That’s because Kroger has quietly closed the doors on its Ship marketplace, ending home delivery of third-party products and shifting its focus back to its core grocery business.

So, what does this mean for you, and what’s behind the change? Let’s unpack the story—and what it means for your next grocery run.



What Was Kroger Ship, Anyway?
Launched in 2018, Kroger Ship was Kroger’s answer to the growing demand for online shopping and home delivery.

At first, it was a way for the grocery giant to ship its own products directly to your doorstep. It was touted as "the next step in creating a seamless experience that allows our customers to shop when and how they want."

But as the world changed—especially during the pandemic—Kroger expanded Ship to include third-party products, and even partnered with big names like Bed Bath & Beyond in 2022.

Suddenly, you could order everything from your favorite cereal to a new set of bath towels, all in one place.



Why Did Kroger Ship Close?
If you’re looking for an official explanation, you won’t find much.

Kroger’s FAQ page simply states that third-party product sales stopped “as of March 2025” (though the closure was reported in May 2024), and directs customers to its other pickup and delivery options.

No press release, no big announcement—just a quiet sunset for a service that once promised to revolutionize how we shop.

So, what happened? While Kroger hasn’t commented publicly, industry experts point to a major shift in how Americans shop for groceries post-pandemic.

Also read: Cybersecurity concern at Kroger? Shoppers in uproar over alleged new policy—here’s what you need to know



During the height of COVID-19, ship-to-home grocery services soared, making up about 40% of online grocery sales.

But as life returned to something closer to normal, that number dropped to around 19%.

Many shoppers have returned to in-store shopping or prefer curbside pickup and local delivery, which offer speed and flexibility without the wait (or shipping fees) of home delivery.

What Does This Mean for Shoppers?
If you relied on Kroger Ship for hard-to-find items or loved the convenience of one-stop online shopping, this change might feel like a step backward. But don’t worry—Kroger isn’t abandoning online shopping altogether.

Also read: Big changes at Kroger—what it means for you



You can still order groceries for pickup or delivery through your local Kroger store (or its family of brands, like Ralphs, King Soopers, and Fred Meyer).

The main difference? You’ll be limited to what’s available in your local store, rather than the wider selection of third-party products Ship once offered.

Returns and Refunds: What You Need to Know
If you recently placed an order through Kroger Ship, eligible returns will still be honored, according to the company’s FAQ.

So if you have an item that didn’t work out, you’re not out of luck—just be sure to check the return policy and act quickly.


What Are Your Alternatives?
If you’re looking for ways to keep your pantry stocked without leaving home, you still have options:

• Kroger Pickup & Delivery: Order online and choose pickup or local delivery from your nearest store.
• Other Retailers: Walmart, Amazon Fresh, and Instacart all offer home delivery of groceries and household goods.
• Specialty Services: For unique or hard-to-find items, try specialty online retailers or local shops with delivery options.

Read next: Are you paying more than you should? Infuriating investigation reveals America’s #2 grocer is overcharging shoppers with fake sale prices!


Did you use Kroger Ship? Are you sad to see it go, or are you happy to get back to shopping local? Have you found a new favorite way to get your groceries? Share your thoughts, tips, and stories in the comments below!