Changes may be coming to your local Kroger—here’s what we know so far
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If your weekly routine includes a trip to Kroger—grabbing your usual items, waving to a familiar cashier, or chatting with neighbors in the produce aisle—some unexpected changes may be on the horizon.
Shoppers and employees across several states are bracing for news after the grocery chain made a quiet but significant announcement about its future plans.
So what’s happening—and could your neighborhood store be affected?
Grocery store closures aren’t new, but when a major name like Kroger takes such a big step, it sends ripples through communities.
The company recently reported a slight dip in sales, from $45.3 billion to $45.1 billion year-over-year.
That may not sound like much, but in the low-margin world of grocery retail, small changes can mean big shifts behind the scenes.
But this isn’t just about dollars and cents.
The grocery industry has been rapidly evolving.
Rising inflation, new competitors, and changing shopper habits—like fewer trips to the store and more online ordering—have all played a role.
Kroger says it’s closing underperforming stores in order to strengthen the ones that are thriving, comparing the move to “strategic amputations of unprofitable limbs.”
So far, Kroger has not released a list of which stores are affected, but the closures will take place gradually over the next eighteen months and impact locations in the sixteen states where the company operates.
Understandably, this has caused concern.
Kroger has promised that workers from closing stores will be offered jobs at other locations.
However, the company hasn’t yet provided clear information about how far those relocations might be or what support will be available.
For employees, the lack of details has been unsettling.
For shoppers—especially in rural or underserved areas—the loss of a Kroger could be more than a minor inconvenience.
Some communities rely on Kroger as their only full-service grocery store.
A closure could mean longer travel times, fewer fresh food choices, and even higher prices from limited competition.
And for many, these stores are more than a place to shop—they’re a trusted part of daily life.
Kroger isn’t the only company making tough decisions.
More than 2,500 store closures are expected across the US this year.
Traditional grocery chains are being squeezed by labor costs, supply chain issues, and growing pressure from discount retailers and online services.
For older adults, especially those not used to mobile apps or grocery delivery platforms, this shift can feel overwhelming.
And for those living on fixed incomes, losing a nearby grocery option may make it harder to access affordable and healthy foods.
Although specific store closures haven’t been announced, Kroger says the money saved will go toward improving the experience at remaining stores—things like better inventory, upgraded facilities, and enhanced online ordering options.
Still, with many questions left unanswered, it’s wise to stay alert and consider your next steps just in case your local Kroger is affected.
Grocery shopping is more than a chore—it’s part of daily life, routine, and connection.
As stores close and the retail world shifts, it’s natural to feel a little uncertain.
But staying informed, exploring new options, and speaking up when your community is affected can go a long way.
Whether your local Kroger stays or goes, the choices we make together can help keep our neighborhoods supported and supplied.
Read next: This iconic American chain is closing doors–Will your favorite store survive 2025?
We want to hear from you. Have you heard any updates about your store? How would a closure affect your household or community? Your experiences can help others prepare for what’s ahead!
Shoppers and employees across several states are bracing for news after the grocery chain made a quiet but significant announcement about its future plans.
So what’s happening—and could your neighborhood store be affected?
Grocery store closures aren’t new, but when a major name like Kroger takes such a big step, it sends ripples through communities.
The company recently reported a slight dip in sales, from $45.3 billion to $45.1 billion year-over-year.
That may not sound like much, but in the low-margin world of grocery retail, small changes can mean big shifts behind the scenes.
But this isn’t just about dollars and cents.
The grocery industry has been rapidly evolving.
Rising inflation, new competitors, and changing shopper habits—like fewer trips to the store and more online ordering—have all played a role.
Kroger says it’s closing underperforming stores in order to strengthen the ones that are thriving, comparing the move to “strategic amputations of unprofitable limbs.”
Also read: These 39 bank branches are closing soon—Check if yours made the list!
What this means for shoppers and workers
So far, Kroger has not released a list of which stores are affected, but the closures will take place gradually over the next eighteen months and impact locations in the sixteen states where the company operates.
Understandably, this has caused concern.
Kroger has promised that workers from closing stores will be offered jobs at other locations.
However, the company hasn’t yet provided clear information about how far those relocations might be or what support will be available.
For employees, the lack of details has been unsettling.
For shoppers—especially in rural or underserved areas—the loss of a Kroger could be more than a minor inconvenience.
Some communities rely on Kroger as their only full-service grocery store.
A closure could mean longer travel times, fewer fresh food choices, and even higher prices from limited competition.
And for many, these stores are more than a place to shop—they’re a trusted part of daily life.
Also read: After 118 years in business, Home Depot’s oldest competition is closing its doors
A shifting grocery landscape
Kroger isn’t the only company making tough decisions.
More than 2,500 store closures are expected across the US this year.
Traditional grocery chains are being squeezed by labor costs, supply chain issues, and growing pressure from discount retailers and online services.
For older adults, especially those not used to mobile apps or grocery delivery platforms, this shift can feel overwhelming.
And for those living on fixed incomes, losing a nearby grocery option may make it harder to access affordable and healthy foods.
Also read: Could your CVS be closing? New Arkansas Law puts all 23 stores at risk.
What’s next—and how to prepare
Although specific store closures haven’t been announced, Kroger says the money saved will go toward improving the experience at remaining stores—things like better inventory, upgraded facilities, and enhanced online ordering options.
Still, with many questions left unanswered, it’s wise to stay alert and consider your next steps just in case your local Kroger is affected.
A few helpful ideas
- Stay informed: Keep an eye out for local news and in-store updates.
- Know your options: Research other grocery stores, markets, and services nearby.
- Explore delivery: Many stores now offer delivery or pickup with guidance for first-timers.
- Speak up: Share your thoughts with store managers or local officials if your community may be impacted.
Grocery shopping is more than a chore—it’s part of daily life, routine, and connection.
As stores close and the retail world shifts, it’s natural to feel a little uncertain.
But staying informed, exploring new options, and speaking up when your community is affected can go a long way.
Whether your local Kroger stays or goes, the choices we make together can help keep our neighborhoods supported and supplied.
Read next: This iconic American chain is closing doors–Will your favorite store survive 2025?
We want to hear from you. Have you heard any updates about your store? How would a closure affect your household or community? Your experiences can help others prepare for what’s ahead!
