The grocery industry is undergoing significant changes in 2025, with several major chains announcing staff reductions and restructuring efforts. These moves are driven by various factors, including economic pressures, shifts in consumer behavior, and strategic realignments. For employees and shoppers alike, understanding which companies are making cuts and how it might impact you is crucial. This article delves into 15 grocery chains that are reducing their workforce this year, providing insights into the reasons behind these decisions and what they mean for the industry.
1. Albertsons
Albertsons, another major player in the grocery industry, is trimming its corporate workforce as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts. The company has confirmed the reduction of several hundred corporate positions across the U.S. According to The Wall Street Journal, this move will help the company optimize its operations and reduce overhead costs. The layoffs are concentrated in corporate offices, and no store-level jobs are expected to be impacted.
Employees affected by the layoffs are being given priority consideration for other roles within the company. While the specifics of the impacted departments have not been disclosed, Albertsons emphasizes that these cuts are part of a strategy to create more streamlined and efficient operations. The layoffs come amid broader trends of consolidation within the retail industry, as companies adjust to shifting consumer behavior and rising labor costs. Albertsons remains committed to its long-term strategy, focusing on improving customer experience and competitive positioning.
2. Walmart
Walmart has announced plans to lay off or relocate more than 800 corporate employees in 2025 as part of an organizational overhaul. According to CNBC, the affected employees are based in various locations, including Charlotte, North Carolina, and Hoboken, New Jersey. Walmart is offering relocation packages for employees to move to its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, or its office in Sunnyvale, California. These moves are part of Walmart’s broader strategy to streamline operations and adapt to changing market dynamics.
The layoffs and relocations are seen as part of Walmart’s effort to create a leaner, more flexible corporate structure. While the company has not disclosed the exact number of positions being eliminated, it is clear that these changes are meant to improve operational efficiency. Employees affected by these changes have been given the option to explore opportunities at other Walmart offices or locations. The company continues to focus on improving its customer-facing services and enhancing its technology infrastructure.
3. Lowes Foods
Lowes Foods, a grocery chain with over 80 locations across the Southeastern U.S., is closing a store in Cary, North Carolina, on May 14, 2025. According to Grocery Dive, this closure follows recent shutdowns in Raleigh and Wilmington, although the company has not explicitly linked the closures to increased competition. Despite the Cary closure, two other Lowes Foods stores will remain in the town, with additional options in nearby Apex.
The closure in Cary is part of a broader trend in the industry, with experts projecting up to 45,000 physical store closures over the next five years due to increased online shopping and changing consumer habits. Major chains such as Foot Locker and Bed Bath & Beyond have already initiated widespread shutdowns or transitioned online. Lowes Foods is continuing to invest in new locations and remodeling existing stores to better align with current market demands. The company is also evaluating its store portfolio to ensure that it meets the evolving preferences of customers in the region.
4. Kroger
Kroger, one of the largest grocery chains in the U.S., has initiated significant layoffs in 2025 as part of a broader restructuring effort. These cuts are primarily aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency. The company has not specified the exact number of positions being affected, but experts predict a significant reduction in corporate staff. According to Taste of Country, the layoffs are part of a larger effort to shift the company’s focus toward technology and data-driven operations to better meet customer needs.
The layoffs at Kroger are not limited to store-level employees but also affect roles in corporate offices and data analysis teams. These changes are seen as necessary adjustments in response to evolving market demands and increased competition. While the company has not detailed specific departments being impacted, the restructuring is expected to result in a more agile and cost-effective organization. Employees who are affected are encouraged to apply for other roles within the company.
5. Target
Target has announced a series of job cuts in 2025 as part of an ongoing effort to streamline operations. These reductions primarily affect corporate roles in the company’s headquarters and various regional offices. While no store-level jobs are expected to be impacted, the cuts are part of a broader focus on enhancing efficiency and technological innovation. The company is working to refocus on customer service and ensure that the operational structure supports its evolving business model.
The layoffs at Target come as the company shifts its emphasis to improving its e-commerce platform and integrating more advanced technologies in its stores. This move aligns with the industry’s broader push toward automation and digitalization, which has been accelerating in recent years. Employees affected by the layoffs are being encouraged to explore opportunities within other areas of the company. Target remains committed to maintaining its competitive edge in both the physical and online retail spaces.
6. Publix
Publix, known for its customer-centric culture and high employee satisfaction, is reducing its corporate workforce in 2025. The company is making these changes to adapt to increasing market pressures and improve operational efficiency. Although the layoffs are concentrated in corporate functions, Publix’s store-level staff remains unaffected. These adjustments are part of Publix’s long-term strategy to remain competitive in the ever-changing retail environment.
As the grocery chain continues to expand its footprint, the corporate staff reductions reflect a necessary move to support its growing operations. Publix is also investing in new technology and automation to improve supply chain management and store operations. Employees who have been laid off are encouraged to seek other roles within the company or transition to positions in other areas. The company continues to prioritize its commitment to providing high-quality service and maintaining a positive work environment.
7. Costco
Costco has announced plans to reduce certain corporate roles as part of an internal restructuring process aimed at enhancing efficiency. The decision to cut positions comes as the company continues to invest in new technological solutions for its stores and warehouses. While the layoffs will not impact warehouse or store positions, they are focused on improving overall operational processes and streamlining management structures. Costco is focusing on optimizing its corporate functions to better support its retail operations.
The restructuring at Costco includes shifts in areas such as IT, logistics, and supply chain management, reflecting the company’s push to modernize its infrastructure. These changes are also in response to rising labor costs and the growing need for automation in many business areas. Employees who lose their positions due to these cuts are being given priority for other roles within the company. Costco remains committed to ensuring the continued success of its retail operations and enhancing the customer shopping experience.
8. Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market, known for its high-quality organic offerings, is making significant cuts to its corporate workforce in 2025. The decision to reduce staff is part of a broader effort to realign business priorities and improve efficiency within the company. While the company has not disclosed the exact number of affected positions, it has emphasized that the layoffs will mostly impact roles at the corporate level. The changes are seen as a response to increased competition and the need to streamline operations.
These cuts come at a time when Whole Foods is continuing to invest in digital expansion and online grocery offerings. The company is working to enhance its e-commerce infrastructure to better compete with major grocery chains and online delivery services. Affected employees are encouraged to apply for positions within the company or take advantage of the company’s career development programs. Whole Foods remains committed to maintaining its focus on high-quality products and excellent customer service.
9. Safeway
Safeway, a subsidiary of Albertsons, is reducing its corporate workforce in 2025 as part of a restructuring initiative. The layoffs are aimed at improving operational efficiency and responding to changing market dynamics. While the company’s retail staff remains unaffected, these job cuts are expected to streamline management functions and corporate operations. The restructuring is designed to allow Safeway to remain competitive in the increasingly crowded grocery market.
As part of its long-term strategy, Safeway is investing in new technologies and automation to improve supply chain efficiency. The company is also focusing on enhancing its digital offerings to keep pace with growing consumer demand for online grocery shopping. Employees affected by these layoffs will have the opportunity to transition to other roles within the company, or seek employment elsewhere. Safeway is committed to providing ongoing support to those impacted by the changes.
10. Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s, the popular grocery store chain known for its affordable and unique products, is reducing corporate roles in 2025 as part of its restructuring plans. The job cuts are expected to impact roles within the company’s headquarters and regional offices, rather than its store-level employees. Trader Joe’s is making these adjustments to ensure that its corporate structure aligns with its evolving business strategy. The company is also focusing on enhancing its supply chain and logistics operations.
In addition to the layoffs, Trader Joe’s is exploring ways to enhance its technology infrastructure to improve the customer experience. While the company is not offering specific details about the number of positions being cut, these changes are part of a broader effort to improve operational efficiency. Affected employees will be given priority for other roles within the company. Trader Joe’s remains focused on continuing to provide exceptional products and a welcoming shopping experience for its customers.
11. Wegmans
Wegmans, a family-owned grocery chain known for its high-quality offerings, is reducing its corporate staff in 2025. The decision to cut positions comes as part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and maintain profitability amid rising costs and changing consumer habits. These layoffs are expected to be focused on corporate functions, with little to no impact on store-level employees. The company remains committed to maintaining its reputation for excellent customer service and quality products.
The restructuring at Wegmans is seen as a necessary move to improve efficiency and remain competitive in the grocery retail market. With increased competition from large national chains and online grocery services, Wegmans is making changes to better align its corporate structure with its long-term goals. Affected employees will be offered opportunities for reemployment within the company, and the company continues to prioritize the well-being of its remaining staff. Wegmans is also investing in automation and technology to improve operational processes.
12. Giant Food Stores
Giant Food Stores has announced plans to cut corporate positions in 2025 as part of a restructuring initiative. The layoffs are part of a broader effort to improve efficiency and adapt to changing market conditions. The company is focusing on reducing overhead costs and enhancing its supply chain management. While the layoffs will not impact retail staff, they are expected to result in a more streamlined corporate structure.
Giant Food is also investing in new technologies to enhance its e-commerce capabilities and improve the customer shopping experience. With an increasing demand for online grocery services, the company is working to ensure that it remains competitive in the growing digital grocery space. Employees impacted by the layoffs will be encouraged to explore other opportunities within the company. Giant Food remains committed to offering a high-quality selection of products and services to its customers.
13. Harris Teeter
Harris Teeter is reducing its corporate workforce in 2025 as part of a strategic shift to improve operational efficiency. These cuts are expected to impact positions within the corporate and regional offices, while store-level employees will remain unaffected. The company is aiming to streamline its business operations and focus on improving key areas such as customer service and digital offerings. These adjustments are seen as necessary to ensure that Harris Teeter can continue to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
The reduction in corporate roles is part of Harris Teeter’s broader efforts to adapt to changing consumer behaviors, particularly the rise of online grocery shopping. The company is investing in new technologies and digital tools to enhance its operations and provide a better shopping experience. Employees affected by these changes are encouraged to explore internal job openings or take advantage of the company’s severance packages. Harris Teeter remains committed to its long-term growth and continued focus on offering a great customer experience.
14. Meijer
Meijer, a regional grocery giant, is reducing its corporate staff in 2025 as part of a broader restructuring effort. These cuts are intended to help the company maintain its competitive edge by optimizing its internal operations. Meijer is shifting its focus to improving customer-facing services while streamlining back-office functions. While the layoffs are focused on corporate roles, the company’s retail staff will not be impacted.
As Meijer continues to expand its digital and e-commerce offerings, it is investing in automation and other technological solutions to support its growth. The company aims to enhance its supply chain management and improve overall operational efficiency. Affected employees are being offered reemployment opportunities within the company, and Meijer remains focused on ensuring that its store-level operations continue to thrive. The company’s commitment to providing high-quality products and excellent customer service remains unchanged.
15. Food Lion
Food Lion is making significant corporate staff reductions in 2025 as part of a long-term strategic shift. These layoffs are expected to help the company better adapt to industry changes and improve its operational efficiency. While the cuts primarily affect corporate roles, Food Lion is continuing to invest in its store-level operations and digital infrastructure. The company aims to streamline its corporate functions and improve its ability to serve customers effectively.
Food Lion’s restructuring efforts include upgrading its technology platforms and focusing on supply chain improvements. These changes are intended to help the company respond to increased demand for online shopping and streamline its in-store operations. Affected employees are being offered severance packages and the option to apply for other positions within the company. Food Lion remains committed to providing affordable, high-quality products to its customers.
