Kings Food Markets Will Close Two New Jersey Stores

The grocer plans to shutter locations in Hillsdale and Whitehouse Station by early January.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Retail

Isometric editorial illustration of a generic suburban grocery store building with a brick facade and wide entrance, representing corporate retail consolidation. — Kings Food Markets will shutter its Hillsdale and Whitehouse Station stores in New Jersey by January 2, 2027, affecting 122 employees. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Kings Food Markets will close two New Jersey stores by January 2, 2027, resulting in the termination of 122 employees. The decision follows a broader reevaluation of store footprints by parent company Albertsons.

Why it matters

The closures come as Albertsons streamlines its operations following a failed $25 million merger with Kroger. These reductions are part of a larger trend of store consolidations within the company.

Kings Food Markets currently operates 16 stores in New Jersey, having been acquired by Acme Markets for $96.4 million. Nationwide, parent company Albertsons operates 2,240 stores and has closed approximately 45 locations since late 2024.

The players

Kings Food Markets

This grocery chain operates 16 stores in New Jersey and was acquired by Acme Markets for $96.4 million.

Albertsons

This national grocery conglomerate operates 2,240 stores across the United States.

New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development

This state agency oversees labor notifications and compliance regarding mass layoffs.

Kroger

This major retail company was involved in a failed $25 million merger proposal with Albertsons.

The details

The impacted workers in Hillsdale and Whitehouse Station are eligible for severance benefits based on applicable laws and collective bargaining agreements. Human resources teams are currently working to place affected staff in other company-operated retail stores.

Kings filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2020.
The Albertsons-Kroger merger attempt failed in late 2024.
Albertsons operated 2,240 stores nationwide as of June 2026.
Kings filed a layoff notification with state labor officials in October 2026.
The two specific store locations will officially close by January 2, 2027.

Market Landscape

These closures reflect a significant industry correction following the failed $25 million merger between Albertsons and Kroger. The move positions the company to consolidate its retail presence against regional competitors as it moves away from previous expansion strategies.

Shoppers in Hillsdale and Whitehouse Station will lose access to their local Kings locations, necessitating a shift to other nearby grocery options. Customers should monitor local store announcements for final clearance sales and specific store closure dates.

The takeaway

Retail consolidation often leads to store closures as parent companies optimize their remaining assets. Consumers in affected areas are encouraged to check local listings for alternative shopping destinations as transition dates approach.