Kroger, the largest grocery store chain in the United States, has not opened a store in Cleveland since May 2015. This is in spite of the fact that Cleveland is the most populous city in Ohio, and the ninth most populous city in the United States.
Kroger officials have cited competition from Walmart, Target, and other big-box stores as the main reason for not opening a store in Cleveland. Kroger also has stores in nearby cities such as Akron, Canton, and Youngstown.
However, some analysts say that Kroger’s decision not to open a store in Cleveland may have more to do with the city’s weak economy and its lack of population growth. Cleveland has had declining population since the 1970s, and its population is now about half of what it was in 1950.
Kroger officials have said that they are open to opening a store in Cleveland if the city’s economy improves.
