which grocery outlet stores are closing
Grocery Outlet has announced it will close 36 underperforming stores across the U.S. in 2026, but it has not yet released a full, official public list of every location by address.
Quick Scoop
What’s happening
- Grocery Outlet plans to shut down 36 stores as part of an “optimization” and turnaround plan after what the company describes as overexpansion and weaker performance at certain locations.
- The closures are focused on underperforming stores rather than a pullout from any particular state, and the company still plans to open roughly 30–33 new stores in 2026.
- Executives cited increased consumer pressure, delayed government benefits, and tougher price competition as reasons they need to refocus on profitability and value perception.
Where stores are closing
So far, reporting gives a regional picture rather than a complete national spreadsheet:
- About 24 of the 36 closures are on the East Coast, according to coverage that cites company communications and regional reports.
- New Jersey: Six Grocery Outlet stores in South Jersey are confirmed to be closing as part of the nationwide plan.
- Southern California: Several locations in SoCal are also on the closure list, reported as “underperforming” stores.
- A California-focused report notes the chain is closing 36 stores nationwide and targeting financially weak locations plus an unused distribution center, with closures expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Because Grocery Outlet has not posted a single, comprehensive list of affected stores on its main site, local news outlets have been the main source for specific locations in each region.
Snapshot by region (based on reports so far)
| Region / State | Reported status |
|---|---|
| East Coast (overall) | Roughly 24 of the 36 closures located in eastern U.S., exact store list not fully public. | [6][5]
| New Jersey (South Jersey) | Six Grocery Outlet stores confirmed to close in 2026 as part of the nationwide plan. | [9]
| Southern California | “Several” SoCal locations identified as underperforming and slated to close. | [10]
| California (statewide) | Part of the 36-store reduction, closures focused on weaker stores and one unused distribution facility. | [4][7]
| Nationwide total | 36 stores closing, while 30–33 new stores are still planned to open in 2026. | [1][5]
How this fits into the bigger trend
- Grocery Outlet’s move is part of a broader 2026 retail pattern where chains close weaker locations while still investing in growth markets, trying to balance profitability with expansion.
- Commentators have raised concerns that closing value-focused grocery stores can worsen food-access issues in areas that already have limited, low-cost options.
If you’re wondering about your local store
Because there’s no single, official public master list yet, your best bet is to:
- Check your local news (city or regional business section), which has been publishing named store lists where closures are confirmed.
- Visit or call your local Grocery Outlet and ask whether it is on the 2026 closure list (store staff often receive advance internal notice).
- Watch the company’s investor or news page, where future updates or expanded lists may appear as the year goes on.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.