Grocery Outlet to Close 8 Underperforming Stores Across Maryland

CEO cites rapid expansion as reason for store closures in several Baltimore-area communities.

Mar. 9, 2026 at 10:21pm

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Grocery Outlet, a discount grocery chain, has announced plans to close 8 of its underperforming store locations across Maryland. The company's CEO, Jason Potter, cited the company's rapid expansion as the reason behind the closures, which will impact stores in Catonsville, Cockeysville, Columbia, Nottingham, Owings Mills, Rosedale, Westminster, and Hagerstown. Stores in Eldersburg, Elkton, and Glen Burnie will remain open.

Why it matters

The closure of these 8 Grocery Outlet stores is a significant development for the Maryland retail landscape, as the company had aggressively expanded in the region in recent years. The shutdowns reflect challenges the company is facing, potentially signaling broader trends in the highly competitive grocery industry.

The details

Grocery Outlet, known for its discount grocery model, will be closing 8 of its Maryland locations that the company has deemed underperforming. CEO Jason Potter acknowledged during an earnings call that the company expanded too quickly, leading to these store closures. The impacted locations include stores in Catonsville, Cockeysville, Columbia, Nottingham, Owings Mills, Rosedale, Westminster, and Hagerstown. Grocery Outlet will maintain a presence in the state, with stores in Eldersburg, Elkton, and Glen Burnie remaining open.

  • Grocery Outlet announced the store closures on March 9, 2026.

The players

Grocery Outlet

A discount grocery store chain that is closing 8 underperforming locations across Maryland.

Jason Potter

The CEO of Grocery Outlet, who acknowledged the company expanded too quickly leading to the store closures.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

The Grocery Outlet closures highlight the challenges facing retailers in the highly competitive grocery industry, where rapid expansion can lead to underperforming locations. This development will impact several Maryland communities, raising questions about the future of discount grocery options in the region.