CINCINNATI, August 13, 2026, 05:05 EDT — U.S. premarket trading has started, with the main session set to open at 09:30 EDT.
- New reporting brought renewed attention to Kroger’s earlier announcement regarding the closure of 60 stores.
- The shutdowns represent approximately 2.2% of Kroger’s total network of around 2,700 stores.
- The Giant Eagle transaction, if completed, will bring in 197 supermarkets prior to any divestitures.
Online searches for “kroger store closures” surged early Thursday after fresh reports circulated about the grocer’s plan to close around 60 underperforming stores. The Kroger Co. NYSE:KR has not released any new closure updates. The plan was originally revealed in June 2025. Google Trends; New York Post
The difference is important for investors. Kroger booked a $100 million closure charge during fiscal 2025. According to its annual report, the closures are expected to yield a modest positive financial impact.
Network calculations indicate a rotation rather than a pullback. Kroger’s 60 closures represent nearly 2.2% of its approximately 2,700 locations. The Giant Eagle acquisition awaiting approval would bring in 197 supermarkets and 11 separate pharmacies.
| Footprint item | Locations | Share of Kroger base |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated Kroger base | 2,700 | 100.0% |
| Announced closures | (60) | (2.2%) |
| Giant Eagle stores | 197 | 7.3% |
| Example gross net addition | +137 | +5.1% |
The math is straightforward: subtracting 60 closures from 197 acquired supermarkets leaves 137. This would raise the total number of supermarkets by about 5.1% prior to mandatory divestitures. This figure does not represent company guidance.
Kroger will acquire Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, a figure that includes assumed liabilities. Giant Eagle’s yearly revenue stands at around $9 billion, putting the main purchase price at approximately 0.18 times annual sales.
| Capital-allocation measure | Value | Investor context |
|---|---|---|
| Cost for store closures | $100 million | Booked in fiscal 2025 |
| Average cost per closure | Roughly $1.67 million | $100 million split by 60 |
| Acquisition price for Giant Eagle | $1.65 billion | Includes cash and taken-on liabilities |
| Giant Eagle yearly revenue | Roughly $9 billion | Reported by the company |
| Deal price as a proportion of sales | Roughly 0.18x | Excludes integration spending |
The store assessment coincides with broader digital changes. Kroger on Tuesday appointed Nate Faust as chief eCommerce officer, starting September 1. CEO Greg Foran stated that Faust’s priorities of speed, value and order accuracy are “the standard we are holding ourselves to as we grow our digital business.” Kroger announcement
The position targets a channel experiencing more rapid expansion. In Kroger’s first quarter, adjusted eCommerce sales climbed 19%. Identical sales, excluding fuel, were up only 1.0%.
| First-quarter 2026 measure | Result | Year-earlier comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Total sales | $46.12 billion | $45.12 billion |
| Identical sales excluding fuel | up 1.0% | up 3.2% |
| Adjusted eCommerce sales | up 19% | Growth rate |
| Operating profit | $1.41 billion | $1.32 billion |
| Gross margin | 22.7% | 23.0% |
Kroger reaffirmed its adjusted EPS forecast for the full year at $5.10 to $5.30 and anticipates free cash flow between $2.7 billion and $2.9 billion. The retailer said the Giant Eagle transaction should increase adjusted EPS by the second full year following the deal’s completion.
Kroger shares finished Wednesday’s session at $56.06, down 0.34%. In premarket trading at 04:01 EDT on Thursday, the stock was at $56.27, up 0.37%. The slight movement is not linked to the search trend.
Wall Street is divided over growth prospects and execution challenges. Although the consensus rating stands at Buy, 13 out of 24 recommendations are Holds. The average price target is $70.64.
| Analyst | Firm | Recommendation | Target | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edward Kelly | Wells Fargo | Hold | $58 | July 17 |
| Joe Feldman | Telsey Advisory | Buy | $78 | July 9 |
| Michael Montani | Evercore ISI | Buy | $78 | July 7 |
| Kelly Bania | BMO Capital | Hold | $60 | July 6 |
| Leah Jordan | Goldman Sachs | Buy | $72 | July 2 |
Risks: The total footprint could decrease further if authorities require Giant Eagle to sell more assets. Integration expenses may postpone the expected boost to earnings. Additionally, sluggish grocery demand or increased price competition may put further strain on Kroger’s already reduced gross margin.
Kroger is set to release its earnings on September 10, marking the next major challenge. Investors are expected to focus on revised same-store sales figures, digital profit performance, and any adjustments to the company’s 2026 guidance range.
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