Kroger to shutter over 60 underperforming stores while expanding through Giant Eagle deal

Kroger announced the closure of more than 60 stores across the United States, including two sites in California, as it redirects resources toward stronger locations and prepares for its pending acquisition of Giant Eagle.

Kroger, one of the nation’s largest supermarket operators, is executing a multi-year plan to close more than 60 stores deemed underperforming, with locations in California, Virginia, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Colorado and other states slated for shutdown. The closures include the Sacramento Foods Co. store and the Santa Clarita Food 4 Less site, which will reopen under the Ralphs banner. Company leadership frames the reductions as a tactical shift, moving customers in regions such as West Virginia to newer, larger Kroger Marketplace concepts, including a 122,000-square-foot store opened in June.

Concurrently, Kroger is moving ahead with a $1.65 billion acquisition of Giant Eagle, headquartered in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, a deal expected to close in 2027 and bring 197 supermarkets and 11 standalone pharmacies into its portfolio. CEO Greg Foran described the transaction as a clear strategic fit that broadens Kroger’s presence in attractive adjacent markets. The retailer’s network now spans roughly 2,700 stores under banners like Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Harris Teeter and King Soopers. Industry peers such as Albertsons are also pursuing aggressive pricing and organizational reforms to boost traffic and loyalty.