Kroger will move forward with the shut down of around 60 stores nationwide over the next 18 months.The supermarket chain, which began the year operating at more than 2,700 locations, said the closures were part of an effort to focus on profitability and to reinvest savings into improving customer experiences.

Cincinnati-based grocery retailer Kroger previously announced it will close 60 stores over the next 18 months.

Kroger plans to close around 60 U.S. grocery stores over the next 18 months to improve efficiency and profitability.