Retail Giants C&S Set to Buy SpartanNash; Kroger Announces Store Closings This Week
C&S Wholesale Grocers Acquires SpartanNash for $1.77 Billion
C&S Wholesale Grocers is set to acquire SpartanNash in a deal valued at $1.77 billion, including assumed net debt. The acquisition, which was unanimously approved by both companies' boards, is expected to close in late 2025, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.
The rationale behind this merger is to address critical industry challenges such as rising fixed costs and slowing sales growth. By diversifying capabilities and expanding geographic reach, the combined business aims to enhance scale, wholesale and retail footprints, and long-term sustainable success in the U.S. food-at-home market.
The new entity will operate over 200 grocery stores and nearly 60 distribution centers across the U.S., improving efficiency and competitiveness. It will also have a broader geographic footprint, spanning the Midwest, South, Northeast, and beyond, thereby improving supply chain reach and customer service.
The merger is expected to create a stronger combined entity better positioned to support independent retailers and franchisees, leveraging C&S’s legacy in supplying more than 7,500 independent supermarkets and SpartanNash’s network.
The impact of this merger on the U.S. food-at-home space includes consolidation of operations into an extensive network of stores and distribution centers, enhancing value and loyalty programs, better positioning to manage industry pressures, and a more efficient supply chain.
Meanwhile, in the retail sector, Weis Markets has opened a new store in Lake Linganore, Md., featuring a market-style produce department, updated bakery and seafood departments, and fresh décor. This is the first new store Weis Markets has opened since 2022. Another two Weis Markets stores in the towns of East Stroudsburg and Stroudsburg, Pa., were recently upgraded, including fresh produce items, full-service meat and seafood departments, made-in-house sushi offerings, an in-store Starbucks kiosk, and an on-site fuel center.
Elsewhere, Price Rite will open a store in the former Ollie's location in Waterbury, Conn., in Fall 2025. Stater Bros. is opening a new supermarket in SoCal, located in Greenspot Crossings in Highland.
In other news, Kroger reported an identical sales (without fuel) increase of 3.2% for Q1, excluding adjustment items. The company's Q1 operating profit was $1,322 million, earnings per share were $1.29, and e-commerce sales increased by 15%. However, Kroger plans to shutter about 60 stores across its banners over the next 18 months.
In recognition of their contributions, the nominees in the Store Manager category have shown inventiveness, tenacity, and hands-on brilliance. PG has also revealed its 2025 Top Women In Grocery Award honorees.
Lastly, Walmart has put AI-powered tools at store associates' fingertips, including task management and real-time translation. Fred Meyer has expanded organic recycling to all stores across the Pacific Northwest.
[1] C&S Wholesale Grocers Press Release, link [2] SpartanNash Press Release, link [3] Supermarket News, link [4] Reuters, link
The acquisition of SpartanNash by C&S Wholesale Grocers, valued at $1.77 billion, is aimed at improving efficiency and competitiveness by expanding geographic reach, enhancing scale, and optimizing supply chain in the U.S. food-at-home market. In the retail sector, the merger will create a stronger combined entity better positioned to support independent retailers and franchisees.
The ongoing consolidation in the industry, as evidenced by Kroger's plan to close about 60 stores, highlights the importance of operational efficiency and strong financial management in the face of industry pressures and shifting retail trends.
