These 3 grocery chains have closed the most locations in 2026

The grocery industry has faced another challenging year as retailers adapt to shifting shopping habits, inflation, and rising operating costs. While many chains continue to expand in select markets, others are trimming underperforming stores to improve profitability. Here are the three grocery chains that have announced the largest waves of store closures in 2026.

1. Kroger: About 60 stores

Kroger leads the list after announcing plans to close approximately 60 underperforming stores nationwide by the end of 2026. The closures span multiple banners, including Kroger, Ralphs, King Soopers, Fry’s Food and Drug, Pick ‘n Save, and Mariano’s. 

Company executives have said the move is part of a long-term strategy to operate more efficiently while continuing to invest in new Marketplace stores and remodel existing locations. More than half of the planned closures have already taken place this year, though Kroger continues opening stores in growing markets.

2. Stop & Shop: About 40 stores

Stop & Shop has closed roughly 40 stores over the past 18 months, with several of those closures occurring in 2026. The northeastern supermarket chain has shuttered locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island as it works to improve performance in a highly competitive grocery market. 

The company has said each closure was based on the individual store’s performance and has offered transfer opportunities to many affected employees.

3. Grocery Outlet: Roughly 36 stores closing

Grocery Outlet rounds out the list after announcing plans to close roughly 36 underperforming stores in 2026. The discount grocer said the closures are part of a broader effort to optimize its store base following a challenging period marked by slowing sales and integration issues after its acquisition of United Grocery Outlet. 

Executives said the company is focusing on strengthening profitability while continuing to support its remaining network of independently operated stores and pursuing growth opportunities in stronger markets.

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