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Kroger, the Cincinnati-based grocery giant, announced on Tuesday that it is eliminating nearly 1,000 corporate positions nationwide, including 200 in the Cincinnati area.

This marks the third round of corporate job cuts for the company this year, following reductions in February and March.

In a memo to employees, interim CEO Ron Sargent said the layoffs aim to "simplify the organization" and allow Kroger to reinvest savings into lowering grocery prices, increasing store-level hours, and improving store operations.

"These decisions are never easy, but we know thoughtful, yet difficult, choices are necessary to set our organization up for continued success," Sargent wrote.

According to Bloomberg, the company employed more than 409,000 staff as of February, most of whom work in stores, though the exact number of corporate employees was not disclosed.

Kroger is also making broader structural changes across the US, halting projects that do not directly support its core retail operations.

Earlier this year, Kroger faced a setback when its proposed acquisition of rival Albertsons was blocked by the US government.

Since then, the company has focused on streamlining operations and trimming costs to maintain competitiveness in a challenging grocery market.

Kroger Plans Major Store Closures While Boosting Capital Spending

In addition to corporate layoffs, Kroger plans to close 60 unprofitable stores over the next 18 months, representing about 2% of its 2,731-store network.

The closures are part of a broader strategy to prioritize profitable locations and invest $3.6 billion to $3.8 billion in capital expenditures this year, including building new stores and renovating existing ones, USA Today reported.

Sargent emphasized that Kroger will offer current employees affected by store closures the chance to transfer to other locations.

"We are committed to supporting our associates and helping them continue their careers with Kroger whenever possible," he said.

The grocery chain has reported strong sales in recent quarters as consumers continue to prioritize essential goods over discretionary spending.

Kroger's leadership transition earlier this year also plays a role in the company's strategic changes.

Sargent stepped in after former CEO Rodney McMullen abruptly resigned following a board investigation into his personal conduct, though the details of that investigation have not been disclosed.