Kroger has announced the closure of its Oklahoma City fulfillment center, which will result in nearly 200 job losses. This facility, which has been operational for three years, serves as a vital delivery hub, shipping groceries to homes across the area, even though there is no Kroger grocery store located in Oklahoma City. The closure follows a strategic decision by the company to enhance its e-commerce profitability by about $400 million through partnerships with delivery apps, including Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats.
According to company communications, the last deliveries will be accepted on January 31, and services will cease entirely on February 1 of next year. Many local residents have expressed their concerns regarding the impact of this closure, particularly in rural areas where access to diverse food options is limited. Kroger has been a key provider of grocery variety beyond offerings available at Dollar General stores and gas stations.
One local customer, Haley Lewis, shared her disappointment over the decision, stating that she regularly uses the Kroger delivery service due to its affordability for household items. Lewis noted that the closure will significantly affect her and others who rely on the service.
In addition to the Oklahoma City location, other fulfillment centers slated for closure include those in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin; Groveland, Florida; and Nashville, Tennessee. Employees at the Oklahoma City center have expressed concerns about job security but opted not to speak publicly, fearing potential repercussions regarding severance packages. They have committed to working for the next 60 days as they transition through the closure.
