DELAWARE - The grocery landscape in Delaware is facing a significant shakeup this spring. While the First State has traditionally enjoyed a stable mix of regional and national grocers, 2026 is bringing a wave of closures driven by a "perfect storm" of rising operating costs, increased retail theft, and a massive corporate shift toward in-store fulfillment models.
Here is the outlook for Delaware’s supermarket closures and changes in early 2026.
The Kroger Nationwide Pivot: 60 Stores on the Line
One of the biggest stories in the grocery world this year is Kroger’s ongoing effort to "trim the fat" following its failed merger with Albertsons and a pivot toward higher-profit areas. In late 2025, the company announced it would shutter approximately 60 underperforming or "unprofitable" stores nationwide by the end of 2026.
While Kroger does not have a massive flagship presence in Delaware compared to neighboring states, its regional divisions are actively reviewing locations. The "underperforming" tag is being applied to older, smaller stores that cannot support the large-scale e-commerce and pharmacy expansions the company is prioritizing. Delaware shoppers should keep a close eye on locations that have seen reduced foot traffic or aging infrastructure, as these are the primary targets for this 60-store reduction.
Giant Food: Addressing Safety and Shoplifting
Giant Food, a dominant player in the Mid-Atlantic, has issued several warnings throughout early 2026 regarding the viability of certain locations. The company has explicitly stated that record-high levels of retail theft and concerns for associate safety are making it difficult to keep specific stores open.
- Security vs. Service: In a drastic move to curb theft, Giant began closing many regional stores at 6:00 PM starting in late January 2026.
- Fulfillment Shifts: Giant is also shuttering several of its centralized e-commerce warehouses this spring. While this doesn't always mean a storefront is closing, it means your "Giant Delivers" orders are now being packed in the aisles of your local store, which can lead to more crowded corridors and limited stock for walk-in shoppers.
The "Pantry Staple" Gap: Big Lots and Rite Aid
While not traditional supermarkets, these two chains provided essential grocery and pantry services to Delaware neighborhoods that are now becoming "food deserts."
- Big Lots (Milford): Following its bankruptcy restructuring, the Big Lots in Milford is officially marked for closure in early 2026. This is a major blow to Sussex County residents who relied on the store for discounted groceries and household goods.
- Rite Aid (Statewide): The massive pharmacy collapse continues to hit Delaware hard this spring. With closures in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and parts of New Castle, many locals are losing their primary access point for milk, bread, and medicine, forcing a migration to more expensive convenience stores.
The Silver Lining: New Players Arriving
It’s not all bad news for Delaware shoppers. As legacy brands retreat, newer, more agile chains are moving in to take over the real estate:
- Lidl: The German discount giant is preparing to open a new 21,300-square-foot store in Brandywine Hundred later this year, taking over a former Rite Aid space.
- Redner’s Fresh Market: The Pennsylvania-based chain is bringing its "Fresh Market" concept to Milltown by summer 2026, offering a high-end alternative to the departing budget chains.
Essential Information for Delaware Shoppers
If your neighborhood store is at risk or currently liquidating, keep these tips in mind for the spring season:
Monitor Pharmacy Records If a store with a pharmacy (like Kroger or Rite Aid) closes, your prescriptions are usually sent to the nearest competitor by default. You have the right to request a transfer to a pharmacy of your choice, but you should do this before the final closing date to avoid delays.
Reward and Loyalty Points Delaware shoppers often accumulate significant "gas points" through Giant and other chains. If a location is closing, ensure you use these rewards at the pump or for groceries before the store's system is taken offline, as points are often non-transferable between different corporate brands.
Check the "Last Hour" Schedule Due to the new safety protocols mentioned by Giant Food, many stores are operating on shortened schedules (closing as early as 6:00 PM). Always check the digital listing for your specific location before heading out for a late-night grocery run.
A Shifting Horizon
The departure of these long-standing stores marks a change in how Delawareans shop. While it’s difficult to lose a familiar neighborhood anchor, the entry of Lidl and Redner's suggests that the market isn't shrinking—it's simply evolving.
