03.09.2026 15:20
Kroger, the parent company of the long-established U.S. grocery chain Fred Meyer, is preparing to close 60 sales locations under various brands as part of a plan to reorganize its store network. Fred Meyer, founded in 1922, will also see its James Center store in Tacoma among the closures. The store, which employs about 100 unionized workers, is expected to cease operations on January 30, 2027.
A new step has been taken in the comprehensive downsizing plan that also affects Fred Meyer, a 104-year-old grocery chain in the US. As part of Kroger's decision to simplify its store network, a closure decision has also been made for the James Center store in Tacoma.
CLOSURE PLAN FOR 60 STORES
US-based retail company The Kroger Co. is implementing its plan to close 60 stores operating under various brands. The company aims to focus on regions it believes have higher long-term growth potential by reorganizing its store network. In the process, the performance and long-term sustainability of the stores are being evaluated. In this context, some sales points under Fred Meyer are also affected by the closure plan.
THE 104-YEAR-OLD CHAIN'S TACOMA STORE IS CLOSING
The Fred Meyer James Center store, located at 6901 South 19th Street in Tacoma, Washington, is expected to close when its lease expires. The projected closure date for the store is January 30, 2027. Fred Meyer management stated that the decision regarding the future of the James Center store was made following a comprehensive evaluation process.
WILL AFFECT APPROXIMATELY 100 UNIONIZED EMPLOYEES
One of the most significant consequences of the closure decision will be for employees. The United Food and Commercial Workers Union announced that there are approximately 100 unionized employees at the Tacoma store and that the closure decision will directly affect these individuals. Discussions regarding the future of employees are expected to continue until the closure date.