Kroger plans to shut down 60 stores nationwide by the end of 2026.

Kroger, one of the largest grocery chains in the U.S., recently announced plans to shut down about 60 stores within the next year and a half. The decision stems from a strategic move to optimize operations and enhance the overall shopping experience for customers. While the specific locations of the stores were not disclosed, the closures will be spread out across the country.

Ron Sargent, the interim CEO of Kroger, highlighted the necessity of these closures during the company’s earnings call in June 2025. He emphasized that not all stores were meeting the desired performance levels and that these closures would ultimately benefit the company financially. Despite the challenging situation, Kroger is committed to offering positions at other stores to all affected store employees.

Sargent explained that Kroger’s usual evaluations of store performance were postponed during the merger process. With the merger now behind them, Kroger is resuming its evaluation of individual store performance, which has led to the decision to close underperforming locations. The closures are seen as an opportunity to shift sales from these stores to other more successful locations.

Although Kroger is closing down stores, the company reported a 3.7% increase in adjusted first-quarter sales compared to the previous year. This positive sales growth indicates a strong financial performance for the company despite the upcoming closures. The closure of these stores comes as Kroger recalibrates its strategies following a failed merger attempt with Albertsons, the second-largest supermarket chain in the U.S.

In 2022, Kroger and Albertsons proposed a massive merger deal worth $24.6 billion to enhance their competitive position in the market against giants like Walmart. However, the merger faced regulatory roadblocks, and a federal judge ultimately blocked the deal due to concerns about reduced competition and potential price increases. Subsequently, Albertsons sued Kroger, alleging that insufficient efforts were made to secure regulatory approval for the merger.

In conclusion, Kroger’s decision to close 60 stores represents a strategic shift to optimize overall performance and enhance customer satisfaction. The closures are part of a larger restructuring effort aimed at ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the company. Despite these challenges, Kroger remains focused on providing exceptional service to its customers while navigating the changing landscape of the grocery retail industry.