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Kroger to Shut Three Ocado-Built Warehouses in January, Sending Ocado Shares Lower

The retrenchment signals execution challenges in a 2018 U.S. automation pact.

Overview

  • Kroger said three automated customer fulfilment centres will close in January, and Ocado forecast about $50 million less fee revenue next year.
  • Ocado said it expects more than $250 million in compensation linked to the early closure of the sites.
  • Ocado shares fell sharply on the news, with reports indicating losses of roughly one fifth in Tuesday trading.
  • The 2018 partnership envisioned 20 U.S. sites, yet only eight have opened so far, underscoring a slower-than-planned rollout.
  • Ocado will continue to operate five Kroger sites in Monroe, Dallas, Atlanta, Denver and Detroit while supporting logistics at remaining locations.