As we make summer travel plans, we think about where to stop for food. Oftentimes, we go to grocery stores. You may need to reconsider where to go if you shop at Kroger stores. Kroger- big, bright, full of free samples Kroger- is closing many of its locations.
Kroger has closed 39 locations across nine of its store brands. This is part of a corporate plan to close 60 underperforming stores by the end of 2026. [1]
As of January 2026, the grocery company ran 2,697 supermarkets across 35 states. The business operates under about 20 different names. Affected stores include Fred Meyer, Fry’s Food and Drug, Harris Teeter, Jay C, King Soopers, Mariano’s, Pick ’n Save, QFC and Ralphs. These are nationwide.
“As of January 2026, the grocery company ran 2,697 supermarkets across 35 states.”
The company is working to combine some of its operations. At least three of the closed stores will become Kroger Marketplace locations. These are larger stores that sell groceries as well as clothing, toys, home goods, and furniture.
At the same time, Kroger is buying the regional grocery chain Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion. This deal adds 197 supermarkets and 11 separate pharmacies. The new stores are in northern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and Indiana.
This large purchase is expected to make Kroger a stronger business in several Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic markets.
Notes:
- ^FOX Business. (2026). Major supermarket chain closes at least 39 stores as nationwide overhaul takes shape – FOX Business. FOX News Network. Retrieved from https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/major-supermarket-chain-closes-least-39-stores-nationwide-overhaul-takes-shape (go back ↩)
