While concern continues to rise about the cost of groceries, another major issue is quietly cropping up in your neighborhood: local grocery stores closing.
During its June 2025 earnings call, Kroger announced that it would shutter 60 locations over the next 18 months, citing underperformance
The closures also affect other brands under the company umbrella, including Fred Meyer, Fry’s Food and Drug, Harris Teeter, Foods Co, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Mariano’s, Pick ‘n Save, and QFC. Many consumers struggling with higher food costs have turned to discount grocery stores for relief, but those are also winking out of sight in some areas. Aldi is another chain closing stores in 2026, with locations shuttering in Minnesota, Illinois, Texas, and Wisconsin.
While the chain has plans to expand up to 3,200 locations by 2028, it needs to cut underperforming stores to reach that goal. Grocery Outlet also falls into the discount category — and it’s also closing stores. The chain announced in March 2026 that it would shutter 36 locations.