Kroger to Cut 3,000 Corporate Jobs Over Three Years as It Expands AI Use

Summary

Kroger, the largest standalone U.S. supermarket chain, says it will eliminate 3,000 corporate jobs over the next three years as it expands the use of artificial intelligence to streamline operations. CEO Greg Foran said technology is changing how work is performed and that the company needs to adopt new capabilities, reduce duplicative work, and reassess where tasks should be handled. Kroger outlined its AI strategy last month, saying it aims to improve customer experience, make work easier for associates, and produce better business outcomes. The Cincinnati-based company has about 409,000 employees and more than 2,700 stores under brands including Ralphs, King Soopers, Smith’s, and Fred Meyer. Kroger faces pressure from Walmart, discount chains Aldi and Lidl, and Amazon. Its proposed merger with Albertsons was blocked after regulators and states argued it could reduce competition, and Albertsons later sued Kroger over the failed deal. Kroger shares fell 1.6% to $61.66 in Tuesday morning trading.