Pick ‘n Save is closing 5 stores in Wisconsin! These stores are located in the southeast of the state and have been essential for many families.
Kroger, the parent company, is the one behind this decision and it is willing to close more Pick ‘n Save stores around the country, as part of a reorganization process. Their aim is to improve efficiency and adjust Pick ‘n Save presence in those places where the stores’ performance has lowered.
This strategy is more normal than you might think in the commerce sector. So, let’s learn more about this situation and where specifically this decision will affect.
Pick ‘n Save
This is a supermarket chain in the United States, with their most commerce activity in Wisconsin. This supermarket is part of the Roundy’s Supermarket brand, which in turn is owned by Kroger (one of the largest grocery companies in the U.S.).
Pick ‘n Save was created to be full service supermarkets, often located in suburban areas, catering to everyday grocery shopping needs.
Which stores are closing?
This means more than a place to make regular purchases closing, it was a great source of local employment for their citizens. These are 5 Pick ‘n Save stories that will close in Wisconsin:
- 1735 W. Silver Spring Drive, Glendale.
- 3701 S. 27th St, Milwaukee.
- 2355 N. 35th St, Milwaukee.
- 2931 S. Chicago Ave., South Milwaukee.
- 2320 W. Ryan Road, Oak Creek.
Only Wisconsin?
Not at all. Kroger wants to close more stores out of Wisconsin like Illinois, Kentucky and Texas – according to local media. Kroger’s representative, Erin Rolfes, said these types of decisions are well thought and analyzing profitability and performance of each store on its specific location.
Workers and communities
Think about the many people that will be fired due to this Pick ‘n Save stores closing. There is no information about how many employees will be fired or if they will be offered the opportunity to be relocated in another store. Another important unknown situation is the clients, will they have a similar service as Pick ‘n Save?
It’s surprising how much we ignore suburban areas and the importance of the only supermarket in the area closing. All of this is worrying neighbors, mostly where there are no other options to buy fresh food and basic needs.
The reason behind this decision
Pick ‘n Save represents what’s happening in the retail sector in the United States. Most chains are adjusting their stores to the new consumption habits like: increase of electronic commerce (e-commerce), higher operating costs, changes on the consumers’ demand after COVID-19 and the competitive pressure from bigger companies like Amazon or Walmart.
So, Kroger is trying to invest in technology, automation and digital services to be closer to have a chance to compete in a constantly changing market. That’s why those stores that aren’t profitable won’t continue with their activity.
Any solutions for the affected consumers?
Citizens near Pick ‘n Save stores which are now closing, will have to go to other alternatives like Aldi, Walmart or Trader Joe’s. What about those who live in a place where there aren’t many options to choose from? Well, this would be the most challenging situation for sure.
What most people will do is to start purchasing online, which is a service Kroger and other chains offer. Of course, it won’t be the same as the experience of going to the store…
It’s very sad to see local stores closing like the ones in Wisconsin, even though they belong to a chain, because of all the negative consequences it creates after. Let’s hope workers are given a second chance and neighbors are provided with similar alternatives, so that they can continue doing what they did before.
