Supermarket giants in NY, NJ and across US to close dozens of underperforming stores

A quick trip to your local grocery store may be on its way out.

Supermarkets, both small and large, are shutting down all across the country as chains cut underperforming stores. In an earnings call last year, grocery giant Kroger said it would slash its store count by 60 locations over the next 18 months, citing slow sales.

The Cincinnati-based brand owns a slew of local spots, and the company said the closures would primarily affect Fred Meyer, Fry’s Food and Drug, Harris Teeter, Foods Co, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Mariano’s, Pick ‘n Save and QFC.

The shutters could harm some areas and create what experts call a food...