A century-old grocery store chain is continuing a wave of store closures into 2026, signaling a major change in the U.S. retail landscape. For many consumers, the loss of a nearby, affordable grocery store is more than an inconvenience; it can disrupt access to essentials, increase transportation costs, reduce price competition, and strain household budgets. Following the collapse of a proposed $24.6 billion merger between Kroger (KR) and Albertsons, both companies have shifted away from expansion and to ...