Kroger Shuts Down Online Marketplace Kroger Ship Amid Changing Shopping Trends

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Business

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Image Source: James Powel

Kroger has officially closed its online marketplace, Kroger Ship, which previously offered a selection of products from third-party companies alongside its grocery delivery services. The company announced that it ceased selling third-party products as of March 2025, as noted in an entry on the platform's FAQ page. The entry directs customers to explore Kroger's pick-up and delivery options but does not provide specific reasons for the decision.

The closure was first reported on May 13 by the grocery trade publication Grocery Dive, which indicated that a notice regarding the shutdown was posted on the platform. However, as of May 18, the page containing that announcement was no longer visible.

Kroger's FAQ page reassures customers that eligible returns will still be honored, despite the discontinuation of the marketplace.

Kroger, which operates several well-known brand names including Ralph's, King Soopers, and Fred Meyer, did not respond to a request for comment from USA TODAY on Sunday, May 18.

Kroger Ship was launched in 2018 as part of the company's strategy to enhance its online shopping experience. At the time, Yael Cosset, Kroger's chief digital officer, described the initiative as a significant step toward creating a seamless shopping experience for customers.

In 2020, the platform expanded to include third-party products, and in 2022, it further broadened its offerings through a partnership with Bed Bath & Beyond, according to reports from Grocery Dive.

However, the popularity of ship-to-home grocery services has waned significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to industry data, the share of online grocery sales attributed to this channel has plummeted from 40% before the pandemic to approximately 19% currently.

As consumer preferences continue to evolve, Kroger's decision to close Kroger Ship reflects broader trends in the grocery industry, where traditional shopping methods are regaining favor over online alternatives.