Kroger Store Closures Begin—See the First Locations

Kroger has confirmed it will be closing roughly 60 stores across the U.S. over the next 18 months. As details begin to emerge about which locations will be shuttered, shoppers in Michigan are left to wonder: Could stores here be next?

Following its first-quarter earnings report Friday, the Cincinnati-based chain announced plans to reduce its footprint by about 5%, closing 60 underperforming stores. Kroger says the move will allow it to reinvest in higher-performing locations.

What Happens to Kroger Employees?

As we reported over the weekend, Kroger says displaced employees will have opportunities to transfer to other locations within the company. In Michigan alone, Kroger employs roughly 15,000 hourly workers, most of whom are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 951.

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Although Kroger has not released a complete list of affected stores, some closures have already been made public. Media reports and announcements from UFCW chapters across the country point to a partial list that includes locations in at least eight states. So far, no Michigan stores are included, but with only about a quarter of the planned closures identified, that could still change.

Which Kroger Stores Are Closing?

The following list, compiled by USA Today, will be updated as more information becomes available.

Georgia

• 2452 Morosgo Way, Atlanta, Georgia; closing July 19
• 11877 Douglas Road, Alpharetta, Georgia; closing Aug. 16
• 3479 Memorial Drive, Decatur, Georgia; closing Sept. 13
• 3855 Buford Highway, Brookhaven, Georgia; closing Oct. 18

Illinois

• 3311 N. Sterling Ave., Peoria, Illinois; closing about Aug. 2

Indiana

• 4526 W. Western Ave., South Bend, Indiana; closing early August
• 901 Johnson St., Elkhart, Indiana; closing early August

Kentucky

• 4211 S. Third St., Louisville, Kentucky

Tennessee

• 1664 East Done Drive, Kingsport, Tennessee; closing Sept. 19

Texas

• 1707 W. University Drive, McKinney, Texas
• 3410 Gulf Fwy, Dickinson, Texas; already closed

Virginia

• 1904 Emmett Street, Charlottesville, Virginia; closing Aug. 22
• 466 South Cummings Street, Abingdon, Virginia; closing Sept. 19

West Virginia

• 2908 State St., Gassaway, West Virginia; closing date Aug. 22