In the US, Market Giant Shrinking: 60 Stores Closing!

Kroger, which is part of the United States’ deep‑rooted retail chain and also includes Fred Meyer, is moving toward a comprehensive downsizing of its store network. As part of a plan to close 60 stores operated under various brands of the company, the closure date for one of the Fred Meyer outlets in Washington state has been set.

Kroger Preparing to Close 60 Stores

Kroger, one of the United States' largest retailers, plans to close 60 store locations that operate under various brands as part of its store network redesign.

The company aims, with this step, to restructure its store portfolio and to focus on regions where it sees higher long‑term growth potential. It was indicated that criteria such as store performance and long‑term sustainability will be considered in determining which locations will be closed.

Snow is also affecting some stores of the Fred Meyer chain, whose history stretches back to 1922.

A date has been set for the store in Tacoma.

One of the closures will be the Fred Meyer James Center store in Tacoma, Washington.

The store located at 6901 South 19th Street is expected to cease operations on January 30, 2027, after its lease expires.

Fred Meyer management said the decision on the store's future was made after a comprehensive evaluation process.

Will Affect About 100 Employees

The impact of the Tacoma closure on employees is also in the spotlight. According to the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, the James Center store has about 100 unionized workers.

While the closure is expected to directly affect these workers, negotiations about their futures are said to continue until the date the store shuts down.

Kroger's restructuring move covering 60 stores became one of the notable developments during a period when large chains in the U.S. retail sector were reviewing their store networks.