Kroger has closed at least 39 stores across the United States as part of a nationwide overhaul announced last year to shutter 60 underperforming locations by the end of 2026. The closures have hit the Houston area particularly hard, with three Kroger locations in the region among those permanently closed as the Cincinnati-based grocery giant restructures its footprint and redirects capital toward higher-growth markets.
The Houston-area closures include the store at 239 W. 20th Street in the Heights neighborhood, the 9325 Katy Freeway location, and the 2300 Gessner Road store. A Spring location at 6060 FM 2920 also closed in April 2026. Kroger said the closures are part of a company-wide decision to run more efficiently and ensure the long-term health of the business. The Houston market, where Kroger has historically held a significant but not dominant position, appears to be bearing a disproportionate share of the nationwide retrenchment.
“Unfortunately, we have made the difficult decision to close our 239 W. 20th St. Houston and 6060 FM 2920 Spring store locations,” a Kroger spokesperson said in a statement to FOX 26 Houston. “While we are leaving these locations, we will offer each impacted associate the opportunity to transfer to a new location. This closure is part of a larger company-wide decision to run more efficiently and ensure the long-term health of our business.”
The closures come as Kroger announced plans last month to acquire regional grocery chain Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, which would add 197 supermarkets and 11 standalone pharmacies across northern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and Indiana. The acquisition is expected to strengthen Kroger’s presence in Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic markets, even as the company retreats from select Houston-area locations. At least three of the impacted locations nationwide are expected to be replaced by larger Kroger Marketplace stores.
For Houston shoppers, the closures mean adjusting to new grocery routines. Customers at the Spring location told FOX 26 they rely on Kroger for specific needs including gas and prescriptions, not just groceries. Shopper Jessica Curtis said she was dreading the change. “I’m dreading having to go to H-E-B, where before I only went for specific items, but now I’m having to go there permanently,” Curtis said. The loss of pharmacy services at closed locations is a particular concern for elderly and low-income residents who depend on convenient access to prescription medications.
The Houston grocery market is one of the most competitive in the nation, with H-E-B, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, and Aldi all vying for market share. Kroger’s retrenchment in Houston could create opportunities for competitors, particularly H-E-B, which has been aggressively expanding in the region with new store openings and remodels. Industry analysts expect the competitive intensity to increase as remaining chains absorb displaced Kroger customers.
As of January 2026, Kroger operated 2,697 supermarkets across 35 states under roughly 20 banners. The company has not publicly disclosed how many employees are affected by the Houston closures or how many transfers it expects to complete.
