Grocery Outlet is planning to close six stores across Ohio, including four in Northeast Ohio, as part of a larger nationwide closure of 36 “underperforming” locations.
Store Closures Announced
The California-based retailer will be closing stores in Parma (5721 Broadview Road), Lorain (4415 North Leavitt Road), Ontario (876 Lexington-Springmill Road), and Canton (4844 Everhard Road). Additional Ohio closures will occur in Austintown and Cincinnati.
Customers are advised that closeout sales will begin on Sunday, March 8, and will continue through March 21.
Why the Closures?
The closures were announced during an earnings call on Wednesday, with Grocery Outlet officials stating the move will occur in fiscal 2026. Grocery Outlet President and CEO Jason Potter described the company’s fourth-quarter results as “unacceptable” and indicated that the company had expanded too quickly.
According to Potter, 24 of the 36 closing locations are in the eastern United States, representing approximately 30% of stores in that region. Despite these closures, the company does not plan to fully exit any state and intends to continue growing in the eastern market.
Grocery Outlet opened 42 stores and closed five in 2025, ending the year with a total of 570 stores across 16 states. The company also plans to refresh 150 stores this year and open a new location in Strongsville, Ohio. Stores in Brooklyn and Cleveland Heights will remain open.
Where Does Grocery Outlet Operate?
Grocery Outlet and its subsidiaries currently have stores in Alabama, California, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing these store closures?
Grocery Outlet’s President and CEO Jason Potter stated that fourth-quarter results were “unacceptable” and that the company expanded too quickly.
Which Ohio stores will remain open?
The Grocery Outlet stores in Brooklyn and Cleveland Heights will remain open.
When will the closing stores begin their sales?
Store closeout sales will begin on Sunday, March 8, and continue through March 21.
Will Grocery Outlet’s strategy shift impact the availability of discount grocery options for consumers in the affected areas?
