(LOOTPRESS) – Kroger, which operates grocery stores throughout West Virginia, has announced plans to eliminate 3,000 corporate positions over the next three years as the company expands its use of artificial intelligence.
The Cincinnati-based grocery chain said the workforce reductions are part of a broader effort to streamline operations, improve efficiency and incorporate new technology into its business.
Kroger CEO Greg Foran outlined the changes in a memo to employees Monday.
“Technology is reshaping what’s possible,” Foran wrote. “The way work gets done is changing across every industry; we must adapt and take advantage of technology. We need to adopt capabilities, reduce duplicative work and look closely at where work is best fit to be done.”
The announcement comes as Kroger continues to invest in artificial intelligence to improve operations across its grocery business.
Last month, the company outlined an AI strategy intended “to improve the customer experience, make work easier for associates and produce better business outcomes.”
Kroger operates numerous grocery stores across West Virginia, including locations in Beckley, Charleston, Huntington and other communities.
The company has not announced whether any positions in West Virginia will be affected by the planned reductions. The layoffs are focused on corporate employees rather than store-level workers.
Kroger is the largest standalone supermarket chain in the United States, employing approximately 409,000 people and operating more than 2,700 stores nationwide.
In addition to Kroger-branded supermarkets, the company operates several other grocery chains, including Ralphs, King Soopers, Smith’s and Fred Meyer.
The planned job cuts will take place over the next three years as Kroger continues implementing its technology strategy.
