Fear & Loading: Anti-Gun Kroger Layoffs

by
posted on October 16, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
kroeger_layoffs.jpg

Publicly traded Kroger Company—which counts among its major subsidiaries Kroger grocery stores, Harris Teeter, Ralphs and the Fred Meyer chain that exited the gun and ammunition business last year—is laying off hundreds of employees, according to CNBC and Supermarket News. The firm operates 2,759 stores in 35 states and the District of Columbia, including nearly 800 convenience shops in 18 states. The corporation employs more than 440,000 people.

The company’s Fred Meyers chain caught the attention of Second Amendment supporters in 2018 when it stopped selling firearms and ammunition in its stores. The entire Kroger family of businesses pulled periodicals that feature modern sporting rifles from their shelves later the same year. Last month it went a step further by enacting a no-open-carry policy in its stores, regardless of legality. “Kroger has demonstrated with our actions that we recognize the growing chorus of Americans who are no longer comfortable with the status quo and who are advocating for concrete and common sense gun reforms,” Kroger Group Vice President of Corporate Affairs Jessica Adelman wrote in an announcement e-mailed to CNBC.  

An official statement explains this month’s layoffs. “Store operating divisions are constantly evolving to ensure they build the teams and leaders who will deliver an amazing experience for customers and associates both now and in the future. As part of ongoing talent management, many store operating divisions are evaluating middle-management roles and team structures with an eye toward keeping resources close to the customer.” The announcement came only a week after a boycott of Oregon and southwest Washington Fred Meyer stores ended with officials from Fred Meyer, Albertsons, QFC and Safeway—all part of the Kroger group—reaching an agreement with the United Food and Retail Clerks Union on a new, 3-year labor contract.

Two weeks before news of the staff reduction surfaced, Kroger’s second-quarterly report for 2019 indicated sales grew by 0.5 percent when compared to the same period in 2018.  For the first half of its 2019 reporting year, overall sales were down by 0.5 percent.

Latest

Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web
Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

2025 Optic Of The Year: Burris Eliminator 6

Even as new generation after new generation of Burris Eliminator continued to add more advanced technology and functionality, it remained odd-looking—until the launch of this year’s sixth-generation product, which is the first in the line that can mount atop a rifle using standard 34 mm scope rings.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.