Sat Jun 21 21:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Kroger is closing 60 underperforming stores across the U.S. (about 5% of its total locations) over the next 18 months, resulting in a $100 million impairment charge. The company plans to offer jobs at other locations to affected employees. While overall sales dipped slightly compared to last year, Kroger experienced growth in its pharmacy, e-commerce, and fresh goods departments and plans to focus on these areas. These closures come after the resignation of Kroger’s former CEO.

**News Article:**

**Kroger to Close 60 Stores, Citing Underperformance**

**Cincinnati, OH –** Kroger announced plans to close 60 of its supermarket locations across the United States over the next 18 months. The company revealed the move in its first-quarter earnings report, citing an impairment charge of $100 million associated with the closures.

While Kroger did not release a list of affected stores, it assured employees that they will be offered positions at other Kroger locations. Kroger operates in 16 states, including Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana, Alabama, Illinois, South Carolina, Arkansas, Virginia and West Virginia with many stores in Indiana, Kentucky, Texas, Tennessee, Michigan, Georgia and Ohio,

“Kroger will offer roles in other stores to all associates currently employed at affected stores,” the company said in its report. Kroger noted they will invest in customer experience in the wake of the savings.

The decision comes after Kroger reported a slight decrease in overall company sales for the first quarter of 2025, at $45.1 billion compared to $45.3 billion for the same period last year. However, the company highlighted positive performance in its pharmacy, e-commerce, and fresh goods divisions and aims to build upon these strengths.

“Our commitment to driving growth in our core business and moving with speed positions us well for the future,” Kroger said in the filing.

The announcement follows a recent leadership change at Kroger, with the resignation of former Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen in March. Ronald Sargent has since been appointed interim CEO.

Read More