Texas’ Second Largest Grocery Store Announces More Big Layoffs

With the U.S. economy in major flux, and with more and more people worried about their jobs than ever, we've got some disconcerting news to pass along. Texas' second-largest grocery store and America's largest has announced another round of layoffs.

According to a report at Grocery Dive, Kroger has laid off an unspecified number of workers at its retail analytics subsidiary, called 84.51°. The news has been confirmed by a company spokesperson, with the latest round of layoffs at the massive grocery chain only affecting workers in the company's data analysis unit.

“As we continue delivering fresh, affordable food to our customers, we are focusing on key priority areas that support our go-to-market strategy,” the spokesperson said. “As part of this prioritization work, we announced team restructures and a small number of eliminated roles to improve efficiency.”

The report cites a failed merger with Albertson's and Kroger's continuing search for a new CEO as potential reasons for the layoffs. The two companies had planned to merge under a proposed $25 billion merger this year.

There are currently 210 Kroger stores operating in Texas, across 85 towns. In July 2024, the potential merger was revealed, along with a list of 28 Kroger stores nationwide that were to be closed down.

Since the first Kroger store opened in 1883, the grocery giant has become a popular go-to for in-store, curbside pickup, and delivery, offering thousands of quality products ranging from fresh produce, meats, and seafood, to dry goods, home supplies, health products, and more.