News Summary

Kroger has announced the closure of its store in McKinney, Texas, impacting local shoppers and employees. This decision is part of a nationwide strategy to close around 60 locations. Kroger is adapting its operations to promote efficiency and meaningful growth, despite facing challenges such as a halted merger with Albertsons. While the closure brings uncertainty, the company aims to support its employees and explore future expansions, highlighting resilience in the competitive grocery market.

Texas Business News: Kroger to Close McKinney Store Amid Nationwide Plans to Shut Down 60 Locations

Kroger has announced the impending closure of its store located at 1707 W. University Drive in McKinney, Texas. This decision is part of a broader initiative to close approximately 60 locations nationwide over the next 18 months, a move designed to promote operational efficiency and ensure the company’s long-term viability.

The company spokesperson confirmed that affected employees at the McKinney location will be offered transfer opportunities to other Kroger stores in the region. This decision underscores Kroger’s commitment to support its workforce during this transitional period, even as business strategies evolve.

In the first quarter, Kroger recognized an impairment charge of $100 million linked to these store closures. The corporation anticipates that while these closures may present short-term challenges, they will yield a modest financial benefit moving forward. Kroger emphasizes its intention to reinvest any savings obtained from the closures back into enhancing the customer experience across remaining stores.

Despite these closures, Kroger reported a 3.7% increase in sales during the first quarter compared to the same period last year, totaling $45.1 billion. This growth indicates that while shrinkage in the physical footprint is occurring, consumer demand remains resilient.

The closure of the McKinney branch follows the abrupt end of Kroger’s merger with Albertsons in December of the preceding year. The failed merger added pressure on Kroger to reassess its operational strategies in the face of intensified competition, particularly in the North Texas market.

In conjunction with Kroger’s closure in McKinney, rival grocery chain Tom Thumb has also announced the closure of locations in Plano and Allen, Texas, signaling a broader trend in the grocery sector where companies are adjusting their operations in response to market conditions.

Kroger is committed to expanding its presence despite announcing these closures. The company announced plans to accelerate new store openings starting in 2026, with an ambitious goal of launching 30 major store projects in 2025. This long-term growth strategy will be informed by current market dynamics and operational assessments.

Following the failed merger with Albertsons, Kroger temporarily paused its annual store review process, which has contributed to the recent closures highlighted in McKinney and elsewhere. This pause has led to significant operational recalibrations aimed at simplifying operations and fostering meaningful growth across the company. With increased plans for store openings in the near future, Kroger aims to adjust its strategy to better meet the needs and preferences of consumers.

As Kroger navigates through these changes, the focus remains on building a stronger operational foundation while enhancing customer engagement and experience. The company’s strategic decisions will continue to shape its path forward in a competitive grocery landscape that is constantly evolving.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Dallas News
• Wikipedia: Kroger
• Hindustan Times
• Google Search: Kroger store closures
• The Real Deal
• Google Scholar: Kroger retail strategy
• Community Impact
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Kroger
• Fox 4 News

Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.