Kroger has announced the closure of several supermarkets in Washington state, citing an increase in theft as a key reason for the decision. The company plans to close six Fred Meyer and QFC stores by October.
According to FOX 13 Seattle, some local officials and residents are concerned about the impact these closures will have on communities that rely on these stores for basic needs. Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin expressed her concerns, stating, “A lot of people who live in our Casino Road community commute by foot, so this has been their primary grocery store to shop for their basic needs.” She also noted that when she spoke with Kroger’s CEO, he cited “financial reasons” for the closures.
Mayor Franklin added, “We have done shoplifting emphasis stings, we’ve done emphasis patrols, we have created a buffer zone around that store and crime is down in all areas, especially shoplifting.”
The company’s move comes amid ongoing debates about how crime rates affect business operations and access to essential services in affected neighborhoods.
