So, you’re probably seeing the headlines about Kroger closing 60 stores and wondering if your local shop is on the list. Honestly, it’s a lot to process. We’ve spent the last few years hearing about a massive merger that was supposed to change everything, and now we’re looking at a map of "underperforming" locations getting the axe instead. It feels a bit like whiplash. One minute Kroger is trying to become a $25 billion behemoth with Albertsons, and the next, they’re trimming the fat because things aren't quite clicking the way they used to.
The reality? This isn't just about a few slow cash registers. It’s a calculated pivot. Kroger is moving into a 2026 where "efficient" is the new "huge."
The 60-Store Strategy: Why Now?
Basically, Kroger is cleaning house. In June 2025, the company officially announced plans to shutter roughly 60 stores over an 18-month window. If you do the math, that puts the finish line right at the end of 2026. This wasn't some snap decision made in a dark boardroom yesterday; it’s a response to a merger that blew up in their faces.
For nearly two years, Kroger put its regular "store performance reviews" on the back burner. They were so focused on the Albertsons deal that they let some struggling stores just... sit there. Now that a federal judge in Oregon officially halted that $24.6 billion merger in December 2024, the "pause button" has been un-pressed.
Ron Sargent, who stepped in as interim CEO after Rodney McMullen’s departure, was pretty blunt about it. He noted that some stores simply aren't delivering "sustainable results." Instead of bleeding cash on old locations with sticky floors and slow foot traffic, they’re taking a $100 million impairment charge and moving on.
Where the Axe is Falling
Kroger hasn't dropped one big "official list" to the public—probably to avoid a PR nightmare—but we can see the pattern through WARN notices and local reports. It’s a nationwide haircut.
- Virginia and Wisconsin: These states are getting hit relatively hard, with five closures reported in each so far.
- Illinois and Georgia: Both are looking at around four closures.
- The Texas Factor: Just this week, in mid-January 2026, we got word that the McKinney store at Lake Forest and Eldorado is closing in March.
- California and Colorado: Despite being huge markets, they’re seeing more targeted, surgical closures.
It’s not just the "Kroger" name on the door, either. The closures are hitting their sub-banners like Harris Teeter, Pick ‘n Save, Fred Meyer, and even the high-end Mariano’s in the Chicago area.
The Merger Aftermath: A Failed Marriage
You can't talk about Kroger closing 60 stores without talking about the Albertsons divorce. It was messy. Albertsons actually sued Kroger after the deal collapsed, claiming Kroger didn't try hard enough to satisfy the FTC. There was even talk of an $800 million settlement offer that Kroger reportedly ignored.
The most ironic part? Kroger was originally going to "sell" nearly 600 stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers to make the merger happen. When the deal died, they didn't have to sell those 600. But they realized they still didn't want about 60 of their own stores.
It’s sorta like planning to move into a mansion and selling your old furniture, only to have the house deal fall through. You’re back in your old place, but you realize the couch is still broken and the fridge leaks. So, you throw them out anyway.
Is Your Grocery Bill Going Up?
This is what people actually care about. When a store closes, competition drops. If Kroger leaves a neighborhood, maybe the only thing left is a pricey boutique market or a long drive to Walmart.
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However, Kroger’s leadership argues this makes them "leaner." They say the "modest financial benefits" from these closures will be plowed back into lower prices and better tech. Whether that actually happens or just ends up in a shareholder's pocket is the $25 billion question.
Actually, they’re doubling down on things like their "Simple Truth" private label. Why? Because we’re all tired of paying $8 for a box of cereal. Kroger knows that if they can’t beat Walmart on sheer size anymore, they have to beat them on the "exclusive" stuff you can't get anywhere else.
What it Means for Workers
If you work at one of these 60 locations, there is a silver lining. Kroger has been adamant that they’ll offer roles at other nearby stores to all associates. In a tight labor market, they can’t afford to lose trained people.
But let’s be real: a "transfer" isn't always easy. If your 10-minute commute turns into a 40-minute drive across town, is it really the same job? Probably not.
The 2026 Outlook: Not Just Closings
Surprisingly, Kroger is also opening about 30 new stores this year. It’s a "quality over quantity" play. They’re targeted at high-growth areas like North Texas and the Southeast (specifically under the Harris Teeter brand).
They’re also obsessed with e-commerce. They’ve consolidated their digital wing under CIO Yael Cosset, trying to finally make grocery delivery profitable. It’s been a money pit for years, but they’re betting that by 2027, the "automated fulfillment" nightmare will finally start paying off.
What You Should Do Next
If you shop at Kroger, don't panic, but do keep an eye on your local store's "vibe."
- Check for "Inventory Clearout" Signs: Usually, once a closure is confirmed, you’ll see deep discounts on non-perishables about 30 days out.
- Update Your Rewards App: If your home store closes, your digital coupons and fuel points will still work at any other Kroger-owned banner (like Ralphs or King Soopers). Make sure your "Home Store" is updated in the app so you get the right regional deals.
- Watch the Pharmacy: This is the biggest headache. If your store is closing, your prescriptions won't always transfer automatically to the competitor across the street. Usually, they’ll go to the next nearest Kroger. You’ll want to call and manually move them if that new location is out of your way.
Kroger closing 60 stores is a sign of a company finally waking up from a long, expensive dream of a merger. They’re smaller now, sure, but they’re trying to be smarter. For the shoppers in McKinney or Milwaukee losing their neighborhood spot, "smarter" doesn't make the drive any shorter.