Overview
- Kroger took a $100 million impairment charge in its first-quarter earnings and will maintain full-year guidance while expecting a modest net benefit from the closures.
- Interim CEO Ron Sargent said the closures follow a delayed annual review during merger talks with Albertsons and are intended to streamline operations.
- Local reports confirm shuttered locations in Texas, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and four Metro Atlanta stores, though Kroger has not released a complete list.
- Affected associates will be offered transfers to nearby Kroger stores to minimize workforce disruptions and avoid layoffs.
- The company plans to reinvest savings into customer-focused initiatives including expanded price reductions, promotional campaigns and 80 new protein-rich products.