Kroger’s decision targets Milwaukee‑area neighborhoods in a bid to streamline under‑performing outletsKroger’s decision targets Milwaukee‑area neighborhoods in a bid to streamline under‑performing outlets.
Neighborhood shoppers in southeastern Wisconsin are bracing for change. Kroger, the parent company of the Pick ‘n Save banner, has confirmed it will close five stores in and around Milwaukee as part of a nationwide restructuring. The move could cost hundreds of jobs and force families to look farther afield—or online—for everyday staples.
Why Kroger is trimming underperforming Pick ‘n Save locations across Wisconsin right now
Kroger says the stores slated for closure have posted “persistent profitability challenges.” Rising operating costs, a post‑pandemic swing toward e‑commerce, and fierce competition from retail giants like Walmart and Amazon have all squeezed margins. Consequently, the grocer is doubling down on technology and distribution hubs while shuttering brick‑and‑mortar sites that no longer pull their weight. Still, many residents wonder: is efficiency worth the social cost?
Five southeast Wisconsin communities losing their neighborhood Pick ‘n Save supermarkets this year. Below is a quick look at the soon‑to‑close stores and the communities they serve:
| Street address | City or village | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| 1735 W. Silver Spring Dr. | Glendale | Dense suburban corridor |
| 3701 S. 27th St. | Milwaukee | South Side employment hub |
| 2355 N. 35th St. | Milwaukee | Historic Washington Park area |
| 2931 S. Chicago Ave. | South Milwaukee | Lakefront households |
| 2320 W. Ryan Rd. | Oak Creek | Rapidly growing suburb |
For many neighbors, these aisles offered not just groceries but jobs, quick pharmacy runs, and a familiar community anchor. “Will my weekly grocery trip now take an extra 20 minutes?” one shopper asked outside the Glendale location. Additional states on Kroger’s watch list for possible future Pick ‘n Save cuts:
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Texas
While no addresses have been published in those states, company spokespeople hint that more announcements could follow if sales trends fail to rebound.
What displaced workers and shoppers can do after the store shutdowns without losing access to fresh food
First, employees should contact Kroger’s human‑resources hotline to learn about possible transfers to other Roundy’s or Kroger‑owned banners. State workforce agencies also offer rapid‑response services for résumé help and training grants. As for consumers, alternatives such as Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart remain within a short drive of most affected ZIP codes.
Online grocery delivery through Kroger’s digital platform may bridge the gap where brick‑and‑mortar choices are thin—though service fees can add up quickly. Nevertheless, local officials urge residents to voice concerns at upcoming city‑council meetings to keep food‑access issues on the agenda.