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California-based discount retailer Grocery Outlet plans to close 36 stores across the United States as part of a companywide restructuring plan.

The announcement came Wednesday, March 4, when the company said it would shut down locations that are “financially underperforming.”

“To strengthen long-term profitability and cash flow generation, improve operational execution, optimize our existing store footprint and align with our disciplined new store growth strategy, in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 we conducted a strategic, financial and operational analysis of our store fleet,” Grocery Outlet said in a news release.

As a result, the grocery store chain plans to close 36 stores; end agreements with some independent store operators; and terminate or sublease certain leases, including one distribution center facility that is no longer being used.

Here’s what to know:

What is Grocery Outlet?

Grocery Outlet — officially known as Grocery Outlet Bargain Market — is a discount retailer that sells name-brand products up to 60% below typical grocery store prices, according to the company website.

The Emeryville-based company is known for its “treasure hunt” shopping experience, where inventory frequently changes based on available deals.

Grocery Outlet was founded in 1946 and now operates more than 560 stores across several states, including California.

Why is Grocery Outlet closing stores? When will stores close?

Grocery Outlet said the closures are part of a strategy to “improve long-term profitability” after expanding its store network too quickly in recent years.

Grocery Outlet said the closures will happen gradually and are expected to be completed by the end of 2026, according to the release.

During the company’s latest earnings call, Grocery Outlet CEO Jason Potter said the decision came after a detailed review of store performance.

Potter did not say whether the closures would lead to layoffs, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“Following a rigorous analysis of the fleet, we identified 36 stores in the network that we concluded did not have a viable path to sustained profitability,” Potter said during the earnings call. “It’s clear now that we expanded too quickly, and these closures are a direct correction.”

Despite the closures, the company still plans to expand.

Grocery Outlet expects to open 30 to 33 new stores in 2026, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Which Grocery Outlet locations will close in California?

According to Gordon Brothers, which assisted with Big Lots’ bankruptcy, Grocery Outlet plans to close stores in California, Idaho, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

In California, locations in Fresno, Stanislaus, Kern, Los Angeles and San Diego counties are among those shutting their doors.

These Grocery Outlet locations are closing in California:

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SACRAMENTO, CA — A lesser-known respiratory virus is raising public health concerns across the United States and especially in Northern California, where it is showing up in high concentrations in wastewater samples.

According to Stanford University's WastewaterSCAN, new data shows the spread of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) throughout Northern California, including Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Davis, Napa, Marin, Vallejo, and Novato.

WastewaterSCAN analyzes wastewater samples from sewage treatment plants to detect infectious diseases and inform public health responses at the local, regional, and national levels.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HMPV is a respiratory illness that usually spreads through winter and spring seasons. The virus can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, person-to-person contact, and in the air.

Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease expert at University of California, San Francisco, said late fall and winter are always the seasons for respiratory pathogens, mainly because viruses thrive in cold conditions, and because of people gathering indoors without ventilation.

"This season, unlike the past four winters, we did not have high rates of COVID-19, allowing other viruses to flourish. A high COVID-19 season — or influenza season — can lead to broad immunity for a short period of time, a phenomenon called 'viral interference,' where viruses which cause the common cold cannot compete. However, this season, given the lower rates of COVID-19, we had high rates of influenza in the early winter and are now seeing a virus which causes cold-like symptoms, HMPV," said Dr. Gandhi.

HMPV symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. Infected people can spread the virus for up to a week after symptoms first appear, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The virus can also lead to severe but less-common conditions, such as Asthma attacks, middle ear infections, and bronchiolitis — infection in the small airways. It also can trigger croup, the "barking" cough.

The CDC says HMPV virus can also lead to mild illness in healthy children. The first human case of the HMPV was confirmed in 2001 in Holland, according to the Mayo Clinic. It has since spread all over the globe.

The Midwest and Northeast have experienced the highest concentrations of the virus. HMPV is an RNA virus, which like COVID-19, spreads fastest in cold environments, especially among crowds of people who are indoors.

Anyone can be infected with HMPV, but infants, seniors, and people living with immune disorders or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are at higher risk for severe illness.

Currently, there is no vaccine or treatment available that can prevent HMPV infection.

To prevent the spread of HMPV, the CDC advises people to practice good hygiene, use proper handwashing techniques, cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and regularly clean frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, handrails, and doorknobs.

The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.

At 11:40 a.m. on Wednesday, the NWS Sacramento CA issued a winter storm warning in effect until Thursday at 10 p.m. The warning is for Shasta Lake, Northern Sacramento Valley, Mountains Southwestern Shasta County to Western Colusa County, Northeast Foothills/Sacramento Valley, Motherlode, Western Plumas County/Lassen Park and West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada as well as Shasta County.

"Heavy snow with additional snow accumulations up to 1 inches foot between 1000 and 3000 feet, 2 to 3 feet above 3000 feet, and up to 4 feet at peaks. Light snowfall accumulations up to 2 inches below 1000 feet in Shasta and Tehama counties. Winds gusting as high 45 to 55 mph," can be anticipated according to the NWS. "Snow levels remain around 1500 to 2500 feet through Thursday in the Sierra Foothills with potential to see snow levels as low as 1000 feet. Snow levels potentially down to 300 feet along the southern Cascades, Shasta County, and Tehama County in the morning hours."

"Dangerous to near impossible travel conditions with chain controls and road closures. Additional power outages from downed trees and power lines. Low visibility due to a combination of gusty wind and heavy snow," adds the NWS.

This warning is in effect until Thursday at 10 p.m.

On average, weather-related vehicle crashes kill more than 6,000 people nationwide and injure more than 480,000 people each year. Slow down to stay safe if you must travel during periods of snow or freezing rain. If the temperature outside is near freezing, it is safest to assume ice is present on roadways and drive accordingly. If there is ice on power lines or tree branches, the weight may cause them to snap and fall. Avoid driving during those conditions if possible. If you must go out, choose a route with the least number of trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line, and call 911 if you encounter one. Here are some additional winter weather driving tips:

Source: The National Weather Service

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