Kroger Mulls Up to 5,700 Job Cuts and India Outsourcing by 2028

Industry sources say U.S. grocery chain Kroger is evaluating a major workforce reduction that could affect as many as 5,700 corporate positions by 2028. The plan would involve moving functions such as merchandising, marketing, supply‑chain, category management and human resources to a Global Capability Center in India, a move aimed at streamlining decision‑making and boosting productivity. No official announcement has been made, and the reported figure remains speculative. The speculation follows a wave of senior‑executive departures, including the Global Vice President of the Kroger Capability Center and several senior vice presidents, and comes after Kroger hired former Walmart U.S. leader Greg Foran as CEO. Despite the restructuring talk, the retailer posted solid first‑quarter results, with total sales of $46.1 billion, a 0.5% increase in sales excluding fuel, and a 19% rise in e‑commerce sales. Kroger has reiterated its full‑year sales outlook.