Kroger store closures in 2025 are ramping up, with the grocery giant confirming nearly 60 locations will shut down over the next 18 months leaving shoppers and employees reeling.
Instead, the grocery giant has quietly announced plans to close around 60 stores over the next 18 months, despite reporting a strong financial performance in the first quarter of 2025. The reason? Still unclear. But the impact on local communities is already starting to show.
One of the most recent closures confirmed is in McKinney, Texas, just 33 miles north of Dallas. A spokesperson confirmed that the store’s shutdown is “part of a larger company-wide decision to run more efficiently and ensure the long-term health of our business.” But with no official list released yet, many are left guessing which stores will be next.
Kroger’s CEO Ron Sargent claimed the chain had a solid Q1, highlighting strong sales in pharmacy, fresh produce, and e-commerce. He noted that the company was focused on streamlining operations and improving the overall customer experience. Yet, that message is a tough sell to communities watching their neighborhood stores go dark.
On June 10, a Kroger in Dickinson, Texas, shut down after 45 years. Before that, a location in The Woodlands closed on May 6. The closures, mostly concentrated in the southern states so far, are raising eyebrows. Brad Bailey, chairman of The Woodlands Township board, admitted the retail landscape has drastically changed since the ‘80s and ‘90s and emphasized the need to modernize old shopping centers.
And it doesn’t stop there. On September 19, Kroger locations in Abingdon, Virginia, and Kingsport, Tennessee, are also scheduled to close. The United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 400 didn’t take the news lightly, claiming the store closures were fallout from Kroger’s failed merger attempt with Albertsons. The merger, blocked by a US district judge due to concerns over creating a grocery monopoly, has become a sore point. Albertsons even sued Kroger, accusing the company of not doing enough to finalize the deal properly.
The union slammed the grocery chain’s decision, saying Kroger should be investing in better pay, store staffing, and improvements instead of pumping money into stock buybacks, legal fees, and executive compensation. They argue that the employees and loyal shoppers shouldn’t suffer because of Kroger’s corporate decisions. However, it’s important to note that Kroger hasn’t officially linked these closures to the failed Albertsons merger.
As shoppers try to make sense of what’s happening, they should also know their rights. Kroger’s return policy allows returns within 30 days at any of its stores, even without a receipt. Purchases returned with a receipt will be refunded using the original payment method, while those without receipts get a gift card for values over $10 or cash if the item costs less.
The bottom line? While Kroger continues to report profits and growth in some areas, its decision to close down stores feels like a mixed message to customers and employees. With 60 locations expected to be shut permanently and more being identified every few weeks, communities are bracing for more surprises. Whether it’s part of a long-term efficiency plan or a response to past corporate missteps, the grocery landscape in America is shifting, one store closure at a time.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
