KROGER’S CEO has issued a defiant growth message to its rivals despite it deciding to shutter 60 locations.
The retailer has remained ambiguous behind its decision to shut the stores, but shoppers still have reasons to be hopeful.
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The interim CEO of Kroger, Ron Sargent, has confirmed the chain plans to ramp up store construction going into 2026.
This is despite the recent announcement that it would look to close roughly 60 stores over the next 18 months.
Kroger has not given a definitive reason behind these closures, but it is thought that the company is scrapping unprofitable locations.
Now, Kroger has said it will complete 30 “storing projects” to stay in line with recent years.
This includes things like opening new stores or completing major renovations.
But Sargent has loftier aims, and plans to improve on this number going forward.
In a defiant message, he said: “Going forward, we’re looking to increase these projects in 2026 and beyond.”
“We plan to build more new stores alongside our continued e-commerce investment.”
He also noted that the savings made from the 60 store closures would be invested straight back into the company.
This would add to the strong financial performance Kroger has reported in its first quarter.
Sargent commented on this: “Kroger delivered solid first quarter results, with strong sales led by pharmacy, e-commerce and fresh.
“We made good progress in streamlining our priorities, enhancing customer focus, and running great stores to improve the shopping experience.”
STORE CLOSURES
Due to the ambiguity surrounding the closures, little information is known about what stores shoppers can expect to be axed.
Some locations have been revealed for closure through local media, but it is not confirmed if these make up the 60 total.
Kroger delivery policy
Kroger offers same day delivery via Instacart
Shoppers can pay $6.95 for delivery within two hours.
Those who need something quicker can get items in as little as 30 minutes.
Orders must be a minimum of $10 to get quicker delivery.
Customers can save $15 on their first delivery order of $75 or more
One of the stores set for the chopping block is located in McKinney, 33 miles north of Dallas, Texas.
A spokesperson has confirmed this closure to be genuine, saying that it is “part of a larger company-wide decision to run more efficiently and ensure the long-term health of our business.”
There is no closure date announced for this store yet.
Kroger has also closed a few stores recently, including one in Dickinson, Texas on June 10 that had been open for 45 years.
On May 6, Kroger closed a store in The Woodlands, Texas, too.
Brad Bailey, chair of The Woodlands Township board of directors, said in a statement: “While this is unfortunate news, we have seen this coming for some time.
“Shopping has drastically changed since the ’80s and ’90s when our village shopping centers were built.
“It’s time for us to reimagine our village shopping centers to meet the retail needs of our community today.”
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