NORTH CAROLINA — The grocery landscape across North Carolina is set for a significant shift this spring as a major national consolidation effort reaches the Tar Heel State. The Kroger Co. has confirmed that its nationwide strategic plan to shutter underperforming locations will directly impact North Carolina in the first half of 2026, affecting both parent company operations and its prominent subsidiary, Harris Teeter.
NORTH CAROLINA — The grocery landscape across North Carolina is set for a significant shift this spring as a major national consolidation effort reaches the Tar Heel State. The Kroger Co. has confirmed that its nationwide strategic plan to shutter underperforming locations will directly impact North Carolina in the first half of 2026, affecting both parent company operations and its prominent subsidiary, Harris Teeter.Major Supermarket Consolidation Hits North Carolina: Kroger and Harris Teeter to Close Stores This Spring 2026
Strategic Streamlining Nationwide
Following a turbulent period marked by a high-profile failed merger attempt in late 2025, Kroger is executing a strategic pivot designed to streamline its vast operations and improve overall profitability.
The Cincinnati-based retail giant has announced plans to close 60 locations nationwide in 2026. This wave of closures follows an initial phase of 39 store closures late last year, signaling a determined effort by the company to shed unprofitable square footage and refocus capital on high-growth areas.
The Impact on North Carolina and Harris Teeter
While the Kroger brand has a different footprint in North Carolina than in other regions, the state is a critical market given Kroger's ownership of the Matthews-based Harris Teeter.
Harris Teeter is a dominant grocery force in the Carolinas. Industry analysts anticipate that the North Carolina closures will significantly involve underperforming Harris Teeter locations. The focus is expected to be on older stores requiring significant capital investment to modernize, or locations situated in markets that have become oversaturated with grocery options.
According to recent reports, North Carolina was identified as a primary target for the spring 2026 consolidation wave alongside several other states.
A Shift in Retail Focus
Company statements indicate that this "portfolio optimization" is necessary to compete in an evolving retail environment. The savings generated from closing these 60 underperforming stores are intended to be reinvested into modernizing remaining high-traffic locations, expanding digital shopping capabilities, and improving supply chain efficiency.
For North Carolina consumers, this reflects a broader trend away from smaller neighborhood grocers and toward larger, consolidated "marketplace" style stores or digital-first shopping experiences.
While a finalized public list of specific North Carolina addresses slated for closure this spring has not yet been released, affected communities and employees can expect formal announcements in the coming weeks. Shoppers are advised to monitor local store signage for closing notices and information regarding pharmacy prescription transfers.
