Kroger, one of America’s largest grocery store chains, has announced plans to close a number of stores over the next several years — including closures scheduled through 2026. These closures are part of a broader strategic effort to optimize Kroger’s footprint and focus resources on higher-performing market areas.
How Many Kroger Stores Are Closing in 2026
While Kroger has not labeled specific closures exclusively as “2026 only,” it has publicly stated that about 60 underperforming stores are planned to close through the end of 2026 as part of an 18-month closure program.
Estimated Kroger closures by end of 2026:
Approximately 60 Kroger stores are expected to close as part of this overarching plan.
This includes closures scheduled in late 2025 and throughout 2026, as Kroger phases out underperforming or overlapping locations and focuses on more profitable avenues.
Examples of Kroger Store Closures
Kroger closures reported in late 2025 and expected to continue in 2026 include:
Kroger — Harris Teeter (Charlotte, NC)
Kroger — Pick ’n Save (Milwaukee, WI)
Kroger — Dillons (Wichita, KS)
Kroger — Fry’s (Phoenix, AZ)
Kroger — Ralphs (Los Angeles, CA)
Note: Kroger operates many brands (Kroger, Ralphs, Fry’s, Dillons, Smith’s, Fred Meyer, King Soopers, Food 4 Less, Mariano’s, QFC, etc.). Closure decisions are made on a store-by-store basis and often reported as each location is scheduled for shutdown.