Milwaukee, WI – Pick 'n Save, a grocery chain owned by Cincinnati-based Kroger Co., has announced the closure of five of its stores in the Milwaukee area, a decision the company attributes to a broader strategy aimed at improving efficiency and ensuring long-term business health. The closures, confirmed in late June 2025, have ignited a public discussion regarding their underlying causes and the potential for increased "food deserts" in affected neighborhoods.
Kroger stated that the closures are part of a "larger company-wide decision to run more efficiently and ensure long-term health of our business." The company has indicated that employees at the impacted locations will be offered opportunities to transfer to nearby stores. This move aligns with a national trend of retailers optimizing their store portfolios.
However, the announcement has drawn sharp criticism and alternative explanations from some commentators. Daniel Buck, an author and education reform advocate, stated in a tweet, "> Grocery chain closed 5 of its stores in downtown Milwaukee because of the losses from crime and theft." He further asserted, "> Reminder that progressive mismanagement causes so-called “food deserts,” not greedy corporations harboring racist sentiments."
While the tweet links the closures directly to crime and theft, official data from the Milwaukee Police Department presents a nuanced picture. For the first quarter of 2025, Milwaukee reported an overall 12% decrease in thefts and a 9% reduction in property crimes compared to the same period in 2024. Despite these local improvements, national retail industry reports indicate significant losses due to theft, with projections suggesting shoplifting could cost retailers over $53 billion by 2027.
The closures have raised significant concerns among Milwaukee residents and city officials about access to fresh, affordable food. Many community members, particularly those in neighborhoods where the closing stores were the primary grocery option, fear the exacerbation of "food deserts"—areas with limited access to healthy and affordable food. Residents have voiced frustration, with some asking, "Where are we supposed to go?" as their main source for groceries disappears.
The situation underscores a complex interplay between corporate business strategies, local crime trends, and the socio-economic impact on urban communities. As the five Pick 'n Save locations prepare to close, the debate continues over whether the primary drivers are retail efficiency, crime, or a combination of factors, leaving many Milwaukee residents to grapple with reduced food access.