The Kroger‑owned chain says the underperforming stores will shut by early August, but every employee will be offered a transfer instead of a pink slip.
In a strategic trim that spares its workforce, Harris Teeter confirmed it will shutter five supermarkets across three mid‑Atlantic states between July 20 and August 4. The Charlotte‑based grocer, part of Kroger since 2013, insists customers will still find nearby stores while affected workers—more than 100 in total—receive relocation or compensation options.
Why the grocery giant says the five supermarkets must close
So, what’s behind the decision? Executives point to “careful consideration and strategic market review,” noting that each location has lagged in sales despite dense competition. After all, running 262 stores in seven states is expensive, and Kroger—planning about 60 closures nationwide over the next 18 months—wants to focus investments on high‑traffic sites, fuel centers and its expanding delivery network.
What the closures mean for employees and where they can relocate? Will anyone lose their job? Company spokespeople say no. Every cashier, stocker and department manager is being offered a position at another Harris Teeter or Kroger banner in the same region. Those who decline can claim a severance package. That promise matters in communities where the chain’s 35,000‑strong workforce anchors local payrolls.
List of affected Harris Teeter locations and their scheduled closing dates
If you shop at one of the stores below, mark your calendar—your weekly trip may soon require a short detour.
| State | Store address | Final day of business |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 11845 Old Georgetown Rd., Rockville 20852 | July 20 |
| North Carolina | 5563 Western Blvd., Raleigh 27606 | July 20 |
| Virginia | 8200 Crestwood Heights Dr., McLean 22102 | July 20 |
| Virginia | 950 S. George Mason Dr., Arlington 22204 | July 20 |
| Virginia | 3600 S. Glebe Rd., Suite W100, Arlington 22202 | Aug 4 |
The Virginia market is taking the biggest hit, losing three locations, but each sits within a few miles of another Harris Teeter or Kroger family store, according to the company. Shoppers wondering how to prepare can keep these tips in mind:
- Download the Harris Teeter app to locate the nearest alternative store.
- Transfer pharmacy prescriptions ahead of the closing week to avoid delays.
- Redeem fuel points and reward coupons before the doors shut.
- Watch for clearance sales in the final days, especially on perishables.
Kroger remains the nation’s largest supermarket operator with 2,719 stores, and Harris Teeter’s selective pruning doesn’t signal broader trouble. Nevertheless, the closures remind shoppers that even beloved neighborhood grocers must adapt to shifting consumer habits. Keep an eye on your local aisles—and your inbox—for any further updates.