Kroger Plans to Close 60 Locations. Here's the List So Far

Grocery Woes

Many retail companies are closing stores across the country, if not just shutting down completely. Earlier this year, Joann filed for bankruptcy and went out of business, and pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens are shuttering locations on a large scale.

Now, a huge nationwide grocery store chain has announced that it will be closing dozens of stores. Here’s why, and the running list of locations on the chopping block so far.

Why Is Kroger Closing Locations?

Kroger announced in a conference call on June 20 that it would be closing approximately 60 locations. Company CEO Ron Sargent said during that call that the stores to be closed are unprofitable, according to USA Today. Closing 60 stores should create a “modest financial benefit.”

This news comes about 6 months after a failed merger of Kroger and a big rival grocery chain, Albertsons. Federal and state judges blocked Kroger from acquiring Albertsons late last year, stating that it would reduce competition at the expense of consumers, among other reasons.

Sign for Harris Teeter Kroger grocery store business and blue sky in northern Virginia — krblokhin/istockphoto

What Stores Does Kroger Operate?

Kroger operates grocery stores under the Kroger name, but also as over 20 other brands as well, including King Soopers, Ralph’s, Fred Meyer, and Harris Teeter. All together, Kroger operates 2,731 stores across the country. If the company closes 60, that’d be about 2% of its locations.

Kroger vs. Walmart vs. Aldi: Which Is Cheaper for Groceries? — jetcityimage/istockphoto

When Will the Stores Close?

Kroger has not confirmed the list of locations that will be closing, or when they’ll be closing. We do know that the 60 stores will be closing within the next 18 months, so some will probably be closing this year. The company has said that employees at closing stores will be offered jobs at other locations.

Kroger Atlanta Exterior — Derick T. / Yelp

Kroger-Owned Locations Closing

Though the company has not confirmed any closing locations yet, USA Today and other news outlets have compiled lists of Kroger-owned stores that have recently announced their closing. Here are the Kroger-owned closures announced so far, organized by state, along with their closing date, if known.

Georgia