Kroger to close 60 stores nationwide by end of 2026

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Kroger announced it will close approximately 60 of its stores by the end of 2026.

The company detailed the closures in a quarterly earnings report Friday. But it has not said which stores will be closed or provided specific dates.

Central Illinois is home to several Kroger-owned stores including three Kroger stores in Decatur and one in Taylorville. There are also several Ruler Foods in Champaign and Springfield which are owned by Kroger.

Earlier this year, Kroger and Albertsons were planning a $25 billion merger that ultimately did not happen. The merger was blocked by a federal judge, and then Albertsons called off the deal and filed a lawsuit against Kroger accusing the company of breach of contract.

Kroger said employees at its impacted store closings will be offered positions at nearby stores.

WAND News partner WEEK TV reported a Kroger store in Peoria will close Aug. 2.

An email to a company spokesperson after business hours Monday has not been returned.

The company owns several properties including Kroger, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Ruler Foods, and Harris Teeter.