Grocers Shrink: Major Chains Cut Stores Through 2027

Major grocery chains are enacting downsizing plans, with widespread store closures anticipated through 2027. Kroger announced plans to close approximately 60 stores by the end of 2026, as detailed during its first-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings call.

Stop & Shop, part of Giant Ahold Delhaize, confirmed in July 2026 that it will close locations in Basking Ridge and Westfield, New Jersey, also in 2026. This follows a trend affecting numerous retailers nationwide.

The Raley's Companies is closing seven stores in California and Nevada as part of its regional downsizing. These closures, driven by local market conditions and long-term financial sustainability, began in January 2026 with its Roseville, California store.

Further Raley's closures include its Petaluma, California store on January 26, 2027, and a Los Gatos, California Nob Hill Foods store when its lease expires in June 2027. Other impacted locations are in Brentwood, California, and Elko, Nevada, by December 2026.

Despite these closures, Raley's intends to open a new store in Madera, California, in March 2027. The grocery sector faces challenges such as online competition, rising costs, and changing consumer preferences impacting foot traffic and sales.