2 Washington Fred Meyer stores permanently closing

Kroger announced its plans to permanently close two more grocery stores, one in Kent and one in Everett, according to a United Food and Commercial Workers Local 3000 (UFCW) news release.

The two Fred Meyer closures are scheduled for October 17 and 18. The Everett location is on Evergreen Way, and the Kent location is on 240th.

Kroger noted that the closures could affect approximately 360 workers from both stores.

Fred Meyer closures due to theft

A Fred Meyer spokesperson told KIRO Newsradio the closures are due to a rise in theft.

“Fred Meyer is proud to serve communities across Washington. Unfortunately, due to a steady rise in theft and a challenging regulatory environment that adds significant costs, we can no longer make these stores financially viable,” the spokesperson wrote in a statement. “Despite doubling our safety and security investment over the past years, these challenges remain. Every associate will be offered a position at another location, and we remain committed to serving communities across Washington where we can operate sustainably.”

However, UFCW, a union representing grocery and retail workers, claimed Kroger’s plan to close two stores was due to the company’s decision to prioritize profits over its workforce.

“Kroger’s closures put profit over people, plain and simple,” UFCW President Faye Guenther said. “This corporate strategy might please Wall Street investors, but we know it’ll create food deserts in our neighborhoods and disrupt the lives of hundreds of workers already displaced by a housing affordability crisis now ten years in the making.”

Kroger to close around 60 stores nationwide

Kroger announced in June that the company plans to permanently close approximately 60 stores nationwide over the next 18 months.

Shortly after the announcement, Kroger confirmed a QFC in the Mill Creek Square shopping center would close in the fall. This closure will affect approximately 76 employees.

In July, Kroger also announced the closure of a Fred Meyer in Tacoma. This closure was met with community backlash toward the company, and a petition for Kroger to reconsider the closure gathered nearly 1,700 signatures.

“Without a doubt, these issues will lead our agenda when [UFCW] returns to the table with Kroger and Albertsons in 2027,” Guenther said. “In the meantime, our union strongly encourages elected leaders to prioritize policies that increase access to fresh, affordable food for all.”

Contributing: Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest

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