Kroger Store Closures: What You Need to Know

Kroger is closing a store in McKinney amid a broader company effort to shutter dozens of sites.

The grocer is closing the site at 1707 W. University Drive, said company spokesperson John Votava in an email, noting it was a “difficult decision.” The company will offer affected associates the opportunity to transfer to a new location.

Kroger is streamlining its store lineup as it seeks to be more nimble. The company said Friday it was closing roughly 60 stores over the next 18 months while adding it is committed to reinvesting the savings back into the “customer experience,” according to a statement.

“This closure is part of a larger company-wide decision to run more efficiently and ensure the long-term health of our business,” Votava said in a statement.

Background on the Store Closures

The closure in McKinney comes during the same week North Texans learned rival Tom Thumb, part of Albertsons, will be shuttering a Plano store after earlier saying it was shutting down an Allen site. The region has seen a wave of new store openings and investments from names such as Walmart, Sprouts Farmers Market and H-E-B.

Kroger had hoped to combine forces with Albertsons, pursuing a merger until the two companies terminated the deal late last year after the U.S. District Court in Oregon and the King County Superior Court for the State of Washington blocked the tie-up.

Impact on Employees and Customers

The company will offer affected associates the opportunity to transfer to a new location. This decision is expected to have a significant impact on the employees who work at the closing store, as well as the customers who regularly shop there.

Kroger is committed to reinvesting the savings from the store closures back into the “customer experience.” This means that customers can expect to see improvements in the remaining stores, such as updated facilities, new products, and enhanced services.

Future Plans for Kroger

On Friday, Kroger CEO Ron Sargent said during a conference call the company should accelerate store openings in 2026 and beyond. The company is on track to complete 30 major store projects in 2025.

“We’re simplifying our business and reviewing areas that will not be meaningful to our future growth,” Sargent said. “Unfortunately, today, not all of our stores are delivering the sustainable results we need.”

Sargent noted the company “paused our annual store review during the merger process.”

Competition in the Retail Market

Amid growing competition in North Texas, the company has been opening new stores and planning for even more, including a groundbreaking Friday in the Sendera Ranch neighborhood of North Fort Worth.

The region has seen a wave of new store openings and investments from names such as Walmart, Sprouts Farmers Market and H-E-B. This increased competition is likely to have a significant impact on the retail market, with customers having more options than ever before.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kroger’s decision to close dozens of stores, including the one in McKinney, is a strategic move to streamline its operations and improve the customer experience. While this decision may have a significant impact on employees and customers, it is expected to have long-term benefits for the company.

As the retail market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Kroger and its competitors adapt to changing consumer needs and preferences. One thing is certain, however: the retail landscape in North Texas will continue to change and evolve in the coming months and years.

FAQs

Q: Why is Kroger closing stores?

A: Kroger is closing stores as part of a larger company-wide decision to run more efficiently and ensure the long-term health of its business.

Q: How many stores is Kroger closing?

A: Kroger is closing roughly 60 stores over the next 18 months.

Q: What will happen to employees at the closing stores?

A: The company will offer affected associates the opportunity to transfer to a new location.

Q: How will this decision affect customers?

A: Customers can expect to see improvements in the remaining stores, such as updated facilities, new products, and enhanced services.