Kroger Closes Multiple Pick 'n Save Stores in Wisconsin Without Explanation

Local officials and residents criticize the grocer for leaving some areas without access to fresh food.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:06pm

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Several Pick 'n Save grocery store locations across Wisconsin have closed in the past year without any public explanation from Kroger, the parent company of the regional chain. This has led to concerns from local officials and residents about access to fresh food, especially in underserved areas. An investigation by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel found that while theft-related incidents declined at some closed stores after increased security measures, Kroger has not provided a clear reason for the sudden closures.

Why it matters

The sudden and unexplained closure of multiple Pick 'n Save stores has left some Wisconsin communities without easy access to grocery stores, raising concerns about food deserts and the impact on low-income residents. The lack of transparency from Kroger has also drawn criticism from local officials who are questioning the company's decision-making process.

The details

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's investigation, five Pick 'n Save locations were closed in Wisconsin in June 2025, including stores in Glendale, South Milwaukee, and Oak Creek. An analysis of police reports from 2019 to 2024 showed that theft-related incidents declined by around 13% at the closed stores overall, though one store still saw an increase in theft even after enhanced security measures were implemented, including the hiring of a Chicago-based security firm. Kroger has not publicly stated the reasons for the closures, despite requests for information from Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and other local officials.

  • In June 2025, Kroger closed five Pick 'n Save locations across Wisconsin.
  • From 2019 to 2024, police reports showed a 13% decline in theft-related incidents at the closed stores.

The players

Kroger

The parent company of the Pick 'n Save grocery store chain, which has not provided a public explanation for the sudden closures of multiple locations in Wisconsin.

Cavalier Johnson

The mayor of Milwaukee, who has questioned Kroger about the reasons for the Pick 'n Save closures in his city.

Mike Semmann

The president and CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association, who stated that rising theft levels have impacted numerous industries during and after the pandemic.

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What they’re saying

“Rising levels of theft are impacting numerous industries. The spike started occurring during/post-pandemic, which has led to stores to invest in loss prevention technology and workforce to a level not previously seen.”

— Mike Semmann, President and CEO, Wisconsin Grocers Association

What’s next

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson has stated he will continue to press Kroger for a clear explanation of the Pick 'n Save closures in his city, especially the impact on underserved communities.

The takeaway

The sudden and unexplained closure of multiple Pick 'n Save stores in Wisconsin has raised concerns about access to fresh food, especially in low-income areas, and highlighted the need for greater transparency from large grocery chains about their decision-making processes.