News Summary
Kroger has announced plans to close approximately 60 stores across the United States over the next 18 months, impacting about 5% of its locations. The closure of the Kroger store at 4100 Barksdale Blvd. in Bossier City, Louisiana, set for the end of August, raises concerns among customers and employees about future shopping options. The closures, part of a strategy to improve profitability in a competitive market, will include employee transfer opportunities at nearby stores, although specifics remain undisclosed.
Bossier City, Louisiana – Kroger, one of the largest grocery chains in the United States, announced plans to close approximately 60 stores nationwide over the next 18 months. This decision, revealed on June 20, affects about 5% of Kroger’s total footprint of 1,239 locations. The closures are part of the company’s strategy to improve its profitability amid a highly competitive grocery market.
The impacted stores are spread throughout various regions in the country, although a comprehensive list of all locations to be closed has not yet been provided. One confirmed closure will take place at the Kroger store located at 4100 Barksdale Blvd. in Bossier City, Louisiana. This store is scheduled to cease operations at the end of August, leaving many customers and employees in the Shady Grove neighborhood concerned about where they will shop and work.
In light of the upcoming closures, Kroger has stated that it will offer roles to employees at nearby locations, although specific details regarding transfer assistance or pay rates have not been disclosed. This effort aims to minimize the impact on the workforce affected by the store shutdowns.
Kroger’s decision comes as the company faces various financial challenges, including a reported $100 million impairment charge related to the planned store closures. Their recent earnings report showed a slight decline in total sales, with first-quarter revenues dropping to $45.1 billion compared to $45.3 billion during the same period last year. The company operates in 16 states, with a significant concentration of stores in Indiana, Kentucky, Texas, Tennessee, Michigan, Georgia, and Ohio.
To address the pressures of competition from rivals such as Walmart, Sprouts Farmers Market, and H-E-B, Kroger aims to reinvest the savings from the store closures into enhancing customer experiences. The company believes this strategy will help ensure long-term operational efficiency and stability in the marketplace.
The announcement of the closures follows a tumultuous period for Kroger, including the resignation of former CEO Rodney McMullen amid an ethics investigation in March 2023. Interim CEO Ron Sargent, who stepped into the leadership role, is now tasked with navigating the company during this critical phase. Under his leadership, Kroger plans to accelerate new store openings in promising markets starting in 2026 while simplifying its operational structures.
As employees and customers in Louisiana, particularly those in Bossier City, brace for potential changes, they are encouraged to remain vigilant and informed through official Kroger communications. While many are understandably worried about the future of their local grocery stores, Kroger has assured its customers that they should continue shopping as normal, remaining attentive to any updates regarding their neighborhood stores.
The future of Kroger’s expansions or closures will likely depend on the outcome of their revitalization efforts and how effectively they can adapt to ongoing changes within the grocery industry. As the landscape continues to evolve, Kroger aims to strengthen its position as a key player in the competitive grocery market.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Shreveport Times: Kroger Closing in Bossier City
- Wikipedia: Kroger
- IndyStar: Kroger Store Closures
- Google Search: Kroger store closures
- Newsweek: Kroger Stores Closing Map
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grocery Store
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
