Kroger shoppers are seeing several changes at the grocery chain, from store closures to new ways to use rewards.
The company has been working through a major reset after its failed merger with Albertsons, and some of the changes are already affecting customers. Kroger has disclosed plans to close about 60 stores, updated its rewards program, continued pushing digital shopping, and faced scrutiny over electronic shelf labels and pricing technology.
For shoppers, the changes may depend heavily on location. Some customers may see a store closing nearby. Others may see new rewards options, more digital coupons, or more delivery and pickup features.
Kroger is closing some stores
One of the biggest changes is Kroger’s plan to close approximately 60 stores.
In its first-quarter 2025 results, Kroger disclosed an impairment charge tied to the planned closing of about 60 stores over the next 18 months. The company said it expected a modest financial benefit from the closures and planned to reinvest savings back into the customer experience. Kroger also said it would offer roles in other stores to associates employed at affected locations.
That does not mean every Kroger shopper will lose a store. Kroger operates many banners and thousands of locations across the country. But for shoppers in affected communities, the change is significant. A local grocery store closure can alter shopping routines, prescription pickup, commute patterns, and access to everyday essentials.
Rewards are becoming more flexible
Kroger has also changed how customers can use rewards.
The company announced in June 2026 that rewards members can redeem Points for dollars off groceries in-store and online, in addition to fuel discounts at the pump. Kroger said 100 Points can be redeemed for $1 off groceries, up to $10 per day, when customers log into their digital account and apply Points before checkout.
Previously, many shoppers primarily thought of Kroger rewards as fuel savings. The new structure gives customers another option, especially if they do not drive much or would rather take money off their grocery bill.
For budget-conscious shoppers, this could be one of the most practical changes. The rewards program is becoming less tied to gas and more directly connected to grocery savings.
Digital shopping keeps getting more important
Kroger is also continuing to push online shopping, delivery, pickup, and app-based savings.
The company has promoted digital coupons, pickup and delivery, and its Boost membership program. Boost members can receive benefits such as free grocery delivery on qualifying orders, extra Points, and other perks depending on the plan.
Kroger’s website and app are also central to the expanded rewards program. Customers who want to redeem Points for grocery discounts have to log into their digital account and apply the Points before checkout.
That means Kroger’s digital tools are becoming harder to ignore. Shoppers who are comfortable with apps and online accounts may find more ways to save. Shoppers who prefer paper coupons or a simpler in-store experience may feel like more of the best deals are moving online.
Electronic shelf labels remain controversial
Kroger has also been part of the broader conversation around electronic shelf labels.
Digital shelf labels can replace paper price tags and make it easier for retailers to update prices and product information. Supporters say they can improve accuracy and reduce the labor involved in changing paper tags. Critics worry they could make it easier for stores to change prices quickly or personalize offers in ways shoppers do not fully understand.
Kroger’s use of electronic shelf labels has drawn attention from lawmakers and consumer advocates in the past, especially around privacy and dynamic pricing concerns.
For shoppers, the issue is simple: price tags are changing. Even if the technology is meant to make stores more efficient, customers may still wonder how prices are being set and whether they are seeing the same price as everyone else.
Kroger is trying to win back value-focused shoppers
All of these changes come as grocery shoppers remain extremely price-conscious.
Kroger has emphasized value, fresh food, private-label brands, e-commerce, and customer experience as it works to improve performance. The company’s expanded rewards program is one example of that strategy. Store closures are another, more painful part of the same effort: Kroger is trying to put resources where it believes they will have the most impact.
For shoppers, the result may be mixed. Some may like the new ways to save. Others may be frustrated by store closures, digital-only deals, or technology changes inside stores.
What shoppers should expect
Kroger shoppers should expect a more digital, rewards-driven experience.
More savings may be tied to the app or online account. Rewards can now be used in more ways. Pickup and delivery remain important parts of the business. At the same time, some stores are closing, and pricing technology continues to attract attention.
Kroger is not disappearing from the grocery landscape. But the way customers interact with the chain is changing — from where they shop, to how they save, to how they see prices on the shelf.
Leave a Comment