‘Please don’t abandon us’: Kroger store closures spark outcry from workers and shoppers at doomed locations

Kroger, a grocery retailer, has announced the closure of 60 stores in the next 18 months, citing a "modest financial benefit". Community members in affected cities, including Abingdon, Virginia; Kingsport, Tennessee; Gassaway, West Virginia; and Charlottesville, Virginia, are urging the company to reconsider through petitions. The closures have sparked concerns about employee livelihoods and food access, particularly in areas where Kroger is the only traditional grocery store. The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400 Union, which represents Kroger workers in six states and Washington, D.C., has started or supported many of the petitions. The union argues that the closures will harm communities and employees, and that Kroger is prioritizing profits over people. The USDA estimates that 18.8 million people in the US live in "food deserts" with limited access to fresh and nutritious food, which can lead to negative health outcomes. Kroger has not provided a full list of the closing stores, but local media reports have revealed many of the affected locations. The UFCW Local 400 is calling on Kroger to reverse its decision and continue operating the stores for the benefit of employees and customers. Kroger's stock price initially jumped after the announcement but has since trended down. Community members are concerned about the impact of the closures on their communities and are urging Kroger to reconsider.