A permanent retail crime task force is being proposed to address retail theft in King County, in response to Kroger shutting ...

King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci wants to use a portion of new sales tax revenue to form a retail theft task force ...

It's not the fact that Kroger is closing stores — but which ones it's closing, and why — that has some local officials angry.

The South Everett Fred Meyer, operated by Kroger, is set to close on October 18, 2025, raising local concerns.

New funding to fight organized retail theft is now part of the campaign platform for Claudia Balducci, who is seeking to become the next King County executive.

After Kroger announced it will close more stores in western Washington later this year, some believe the grocery corporation is putting profits over people.