Major US supermarket chains are closing underperforming stores and warehouses as they compete with big-box retailers like Walmart and Target. Kroger is closing three California locations in March, laying off 171 workers, following the closure of nine fulfilment centres and elimination of 1,700 jobs in November 2025. Albertsons is shutting two North Texas supermarkets and laying off 138 workers by 25 April, adding to 20 closures in 2025. The company also closed 12 Safeway locations across Colorado, Nebraska and New Mexico in November 2025 and eliminated 380 corporate office positions. Ahold Delhaize USA announced it would close six e-commerce fulfilment centres in Pennsylvania and Virginia, transitioning to store-based fulfilment. Despite closures, chains maintain they remain committed to their markets and continue opening new locations.

Albertsons is closing a Vons supermarket in Escondido, California, by 1 May, laying off 65 employees. The store's pharmacy will shut earlier on 16 April. The company cited underperformance and failure to meet financial expectations as reasons for the closure. The closure follows Albertsons shutting 20 locations in 2025, including 12 Safeway stores across Colorado, Nebraska and New Mexico in November. The company also eliminated 380 corporate jobs in Arizona and California last year. Supermarket chains continue struggling against big-box retailers like Walmart, which controls 23.6% of the US grocery market. Grocery chains face rising costs, changing consumer preferences and unfavourable lease rates. Kroger recently closed three California stores and nine fulfilment centres, eliminating about 1,700 jobs.

Albertsons Companies has appointed Brian Rice, McDonald's executive vice president and global chief information officer, to its board of directors, expanding the board to 11 members as of February 25, 2026. Rice brings extensive experience in digital transformation, data and cybersecurity. The appointment signals Albertsons' commitment to advancing its digital retail and supply chain operations. However, the move doesn't materially change near-term challenges around e-commerce economics and ongoing margin pressure from labour costs and union negotiations. The board expansion coincides with Albertsons' debt refinancing, including $1.2 billion of 2032 notes and $900 million of 2034 notes issued in February 2026. Albertsons' narrative projects $86.1 billion revenue and $1.1 billion earnings by 2028, requiring 2.1% yearly revenue growth.