CINCINNATI — Kroger announced during its most recent earnings call that it plans to shutter around 50 underperforming Little Clinic locations.
Last month, the grocery company confirmed it would close all 18 of its Little Clinics in Georgia, effective April 4.
Bill Schiffner
Ron Sargent, who served as Kroger’s interim CEO for just shy of a year, said this move is part of “simplifying the business,” noting that Kroger also sold Vitacost, its online health and wellness subsidiary.
Kroger’s decision to close around a quarter of its in-store clinics comes at a time when grocers are working to establish themselves as health and wellness destinations.
The supermarket chain has been evaluating the parts of its business outside of its core grocery segment as it looks to rein in costs, leading to the closure of the Little Clinic locations along with the sale of its Vitacost business.
"These decisions reflect our commitment to running a more efficient company and focusing on priorities that add the most value,” Sargent told investors.
Local news outlet Indy Star reported earlier this month that two Little Clinic locations closed in late February at Kroger stores in Speedway and Carmel, Indiana. A third will shutter in Fishers on April 4, Indy Star added.
