Kroger Co. Announces Closure of Three LA Stores After ‘Hero Pay’ Ordinance

A woman gestures in support of supermarket workers holding placards in protest in front of a Food 4 Less supermarket in Long Beach, Calif., on Feb. 3, 2021. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

LOS ANGELES—The Kroger Co. announced March 10 that it’s closing three Los Angeles stores following the city council’s vote to approve an ordinance that requires large grocery and pharmacy retailers to offer employees an additional $5 per hour in hazard pay amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Food 4 Less at 5420 W. Sunset Blvd., and two Ralphs, one at 9616 W. Pico Blvd. and the other at 3300 W. Slauson Ave., will close on May 15, Kroger said.