Kroger’s only activity in the Houston area over the past few years has involved store closings and some remodels, but that is about to change.
The Cincinnati-based grocer plans to open several stores in the Houston area and continue remodeling existing locations, according to the Houston Business Journal.
Kroger did not respond to a request for comment.
Five Houston-area Kroger stores closed in 2025. During that time, the grocer combined its Houston and Dallas divisions to form a new Texas Division.
Kroger is visiting potential sites across the Houston area. Texas Division President Rudy DiPietro told the Houston Business Journal that ideal locations would already have rooftops in place and are ready for new stores.
The grocer remodeled 17 Houston stores in 2025 and plans another round of remodels this year. Updates vary by location and may include fresh department upgrades, new case installations, butchery expansions, aesthetic improvements and enhancements to employee break rooms.
Kroger is working to recover from a third-quarter operating loss of more than $1.5 billion, as well as pullback from middle-income families who are cutting costs.
Total company sales during the third quarter reached $33.9 billion, a 0.68% year-over-year increase that included $387 million in Kroger Specialty Pharmacy sales. Excluding fuel and pharmacy, sales rose 2.6% year over year. Identical sales, excluding fuel and pharmacy, also increased 2.6%.
CEO Ron Sargent said during the earnings call that middle- and lower-income families are making smaller, more frequent shopping trips to manage budgets and are cutting back on discretionary purchases.
A pause in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits during the government shutdown also contributed to softer earnings, along with pay raises for associates.
