Kroger is increasing its physical footprint across five states, with specific new locations planned for North Texas. The grocery chain announced a strategy to boost new-store construction by approximately 30% in 2026, following a period of limited expansion during its previous merger negotiations.
This growth initiative includes significant investments in new builds and remodels, aiming to provide shoppers with more modern facilities and varied shopping options.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth region, Kroger has identified three communities for expansion: Little Elm, Anna, and Sendera Ranch. The store in Little Elm opened in late July 2026. Construction is currently underway in both Anna and Sendera Ranch, reflecting the company's focus on areas experiencing population growth. These additions are part of a broader effort to serve the increasing number of residents in North Texas.
The company’s expansion strategy also includes the acquisition of Giant Eagle, a regional grocery chain, for $1.65 billion. This deal, announced in early July, will add hundreds of stores to Kroger’s portfolio. To balance this growth, Kroger is simultaneously closing 60 existing locations that the company stated are not generating sufficient profit or customer traffic.
Kroger asserts that new outlets will serve the areas affected by these closures.
Most of the new openings are designated as Marketplace locations, which offer a wider range of goods including clothing, home items, and toys in addition to standard groceries. This format is intended to create one-stop shopping destinations. In Indiana, new Marketplace stores are planned for Crawfordsville, Zionsville, and Noblesville, with the Crawfordsville project valued at $38 million.
