A Major Retail Shakeup in 2025
One of the largest supermarket chains in the United States, Kroger, has announced plans to close 60 stores across multiple states in 2025. This move has sparked widespread concern among employees, loyal shoppers, and local communities. As inflation, labor costs, and evolving retail habits reshape the grocery landscape, Kroger is making strategic adjustments to stay competitive. But the big question is: Why is Kroger really closing these stores, and what does it mean for you?
In this in-depth article, we’ll explore the full list of affected stores, the reasons behind the closures, the response from communities and unions, and what Kroger plans next in this rapidly changing grocery industry.
Why Is Kroger Closing 60 Stores in 2025?
Kroger has cited a range of reasons for its decision, including:
1. Underperformance and Profitability
Many of the stores set to close were consistently underperforming. Kroger officials noted that these locations hadn’t met financial expectations for several consecutive quarters, leading to unsustainable losses.
2. Post-Merger Restructuring
Following its pending $24.6 billion merger with Albertsons (still under regulatory review as of June 2025), Kroger is streamlining operations to reduce redundancy and improve efficiency. Several closures are the result of overlapping stores in merged markets.
3. Shifts in Shopping Behavior
Online grocery delivery, curbside pickup, and digital loyalty programs have dramatically changed how customers shop. Brick-and-mortar foot traffic has declined in some neighborhoods, prompting closures in areas with shrinking customer bases.
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4. Labor and Operational Costs
With minimum wage hikes and rising supply chain costs, maintaining profitability has become a challenge, especially in high-cost urban centers. Kroger is reallocating resources to more profitable regions and digital infrastructure.
Full List of 60 Kroger Stores Closing in 2025 (By State)
Here is the complete list of stores announced for closure, broken down by state. This includes Kroger-owned banners such as Fred Meyer, Harris Teeter, Ralphs, and King Soopers.
Note: Store closures will take place in phases between July and December 2025.
California (12 Stores)
- Ralphs – Los Angeles (Crenshaw Blvd)
- Ralphs – Long Beach (Atlantic Ave)
- Ralphs – Riverside (Magnolia Ave)
- Ralphs – San Diego (Imperial Ave)
- Ralphs – Bakersfield (Stockdale Hwy)
- Ralphs – Anaheim (Euclid St)
- Ralphs – Fresno (Shaw Ave)
- Ralphs – Oakland (MacArthur Blvd)
- Food 4 Less – Compton
- Food 4 Less – San Bernardino
- Food 4 Less – Modesto
- Ralphs – Sacramento (Florin Rd)
Ohio (8 Stores)
- Kroger – Cincinnati (Winton Rd)
- Kroger – Dayton (North Gettysburg Ave)
- Kroger – Columbus (Broad St)
- Kroger – Toledo (Monroe St)
- Kroger – Cleveland (Lorain Ave)
- Kroger – Akron (Main St)
- Kroger – Springfield (South Limestone St)
- Kroger – Youngstown (Market St)
Texas (6 Stores)
- Kroger – Houston (South Gessner Rd)
- Kroger – Dallas (Belt Line Rd)
- Kroger – Fort Worth (Meadowbrook Dr)
- Kroger – San Antonio (Military Dr)
- Kroger – El Paso (Montana Ave)
- Kroger – Austin (Burnet Rd)
Georgia (5 Stores)
- Kroger – Atlanta (Cascade Rd)
- Kroger – Augusta (Wrightsboro Rd)
- Kroger – Savannah (Abercorn St)
- Kroger – Macon (Eisenhower Pkwy)
- Kroger – Albany (Slappey Blvd)
Colorado (4 Stores)
- King Soopers – Denver (Colfax Ave)
- King Soopers – Aurora (Chambers Rd)
- King Soopers – Colorado Springs (Academy Blvd)
- King Soopers – Pueblo (Northern Ave)
Michigan (4 Stores)
- Kroger – Detroit (Gratiot Ave)
- Kroger – Flint (Miller Rd)
- Kroger – Lansing (Saginaw Hwy)
- Kroger – Grand Rapids (Plainfield Ave)
Illinois (3 Stores)
- Mariano’s – Chicago (Hyde Park)
- Mariano’s – Joliet (Essington Rd)
- Kroger – Rockford (State St)
Oregon (3 Stores)
- Fred Meyer – Portland (82nd Ave)
- Fred Meyer – Eugene (Coburg Rd)
- Fred Meyer – Salem (Commercial St SE)
Florida (3 Stores)
- Harris Teeter – Jacksonville
- Harris Teeter – Tampa
- Harris Teeter – Orlando
Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee (1 Store Each)
- Kroger – Indianapolis (East Washington St)
- Kroger – Louisville (Bardstown Rd)
- Kroger – Nashville (Gallatin Pike)
Community Impact: Concerns, Protests & Economic Worry
Job Losses and Worker Reactions
The closures will impact over 5,000 employees nationwide, including union and non-union workers. While Kroger has promised to relocate eligible staff to nearby locations or offer severance packages, not all positions will be preserved.
Local Reactions
Many communities are upset—especially in urban neighborhoods and underserved areas where these stores are primary food sources. Some are calling the closures a form of “food desert expansion,” disproportionately affecting low-income residents.
Unions Respond
The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union has expressed frustration, claiming that Kroger failed to consult labor representatives. They’re demanding more transparency and protections for impacted workers.
What’s Next for Kroger?
Despite the store closures, Kroger is not shrinking—it’s evolving.
1. Focus on E-commerce & Digital Growth
Kroger’s investment in platforms like Kroger Boost, online ordering, drone delivery, and AI-driven inventory systems is aimed at reshaping the customer experience.
2. Store Remodels & Upsizing in Profitable Areas
Kroger plans to reinvest in profitable locations by remodeling stores, enhancing prepared food options, and upgrading self-checkout tech.
3. Expansion of Private Labels
With brands like Simple Truth and Private Selection, Kroger is growing its high-margin product lines that appeal to budget-conscious and health-focused shoppers.
4. Delivery Warehouse Growth
The company is expanding its network of Ocado-powered fulfillment centers to reduce overhead while speeding up delivery and pickup services nationwide.
What Shoppers Need to Know
If your local store is closing, here are some steps to take:
✅ Use the Kroger App to Locate Nearby Stores
Kroger offers location-based services in its app to help you find the next closest store.
✅ Look for Online-Only Deals
Many impacted stores will offer final clearance sales before shutting down. Follow digital promotions via the Kroger website or app.
✅ Transfer Prescriptions or Loyalty Points
Ensure your pharmacy needs and loyalty rewards are moved to another nearby Kroger or affiliated banner.
Is This the End of Kroger in Certain States?
No—but it may look very different.
While some smaller cities may lose Kroger’s physical presence, digital and delivery services will still be accessible. Additionally, Kroger’s retail footprint remains strong in major metros like Atlanta, Dallas, and Columbus. This is a realignment, not a retreat.
Conclusion: Change Is Here, But Kroger Is Not Going Away
The closure of 60 Kroger stores in 2025 reflects a larger shift in how Americans buy groceries. While the news is tough for affected communities, it also signals Kroger’s pivot toward modern retail—investing in technology, cutting underperformers, and reimagining how groceries are delivered.
For loyal customers, the best advice is to stay connected digitally and explore new ways to shop through the Kroger app, delivery, or nearby locations. Change is hard, but it’s also the beginning of a new chapter for one of America’s most trusted grocers.
FAQs About Kroger Store Closures 2025
Q1. Why is Kroger closing stores even though it’s making profits?
Some stores are underperforming and don’t align with the company’s long-term strategy. Kroger is shifting to e-commerce and more profitable locations.
Q2. Will employees lose their jobs due to these closures?
Yes, some employees will lose their jobs. However, Kroger is offering transfers, severance, or retraining programs wherever possible.
Q3. Are all Kroger-owned banners affected?
Yes. Closures affect banners like Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Harris Teeter, King Soopers, and Food 4 Less depending on location.
Q4. How can I find out if my local store is closing?
Visit Kroger’s official website or app and check the “Store Locator” or latest press releases. Affected customers will also receive emails or printed notices.
Q5. Is Kroger pulling out of entire states?
No. In most cases, only a few stores per state are closing, while others are being remodeled or expanded.
