Kenosha, Wisconsin — A significant retail employer in Wisconsin is preparing to shutter one of its key operational hubs, and the move will leave more than 200 workers without jobs early next year.
According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) letter, retail giant Kroger plans to close its large Pleasant Prairie Fulfillment Center, marking one of the most substantial workforce reductions the state has seen this year.
The facility, located at 9091 88th Ave., currently employs 211 workers, all of whom will be out of a job once the shutdown is complete.
Facility Set to Wind Down Operations in January 2026
In the WARN filing submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Kroger stated that the center will begin scaling back delivery operations in January 2026, with a full and permanent closure scheduled for February 1, 2026.
The Pleasant Prairie site has played a role in Kroger’s growing e-commerce and delivery logistics operations, making the closure a notable shift in how the company plans to manage online orders and fulfillment in the region.
The letter confirms that all impacted employees will continue to receive regular pay and benefits until February 1, after which all employment will officially end.
No Union Protection, No Bumping Rights for Workers
Another detail spelled out in the WARN notification: none of the employees at the Pleasant Prairie facility are represented by a union, which means they do not have bumping rights — the option to transfer into other internal positions ahead of less-senior workers.
This leaves employees with limited options as they face the upcoming job loss. Many will need to navigate the job market immediately, especially given the lack of internal reassignment opportunities.
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development typically steps in to provide resources such as job search support, training programs, and transition assistance for workers affected by WARN-based closures.
Part of a Larger Trend of November Layoff Notices in Wisconsin
The Kroger closure marks the fifth WARN notice issued in Wisconsin during November 2025, signaling a concerning trend of layoffs and facility closures across the state.
WARN notices are typically filed when companies plan large-scale staffing cuts or shutdowns, giving state agencies time to prepare assistance programs and alert local communities.
While Kroger has not publicly provided detailed reasons for the shutdown, many national retailers have been reevaluating distribution footprints, leaning into automation, or consolidating operations to cut costs amid changing consumer behaviors.
Economic Ripple Effects for the Kenosha Area
The closure is expected to create ripple effects across Kenosha County, especially in Pleasant Prairie, where logistics and warehousing facilities play a major role in the local job market.
Large employers like Kroger contribute not just jobs but also spending power, supply chain support, and corporate partnerships within the community. Losing more than 200 positions at once could place added pressure on nearby businesses and workforce programs already facing tight labor conditions.
Local officials have not yet issued statements regarding the future of the facility or whether another employer may eventually take over the site following Kroger’s departure.
What Comes Next for Impacted Employees?
Workers will remain employed through February 1, but after that date, all jobs will be terminated. The company has not confirmed whether severance packages, relocation offers, or transfer opportunities to other Kroger facilities will be made available.
The state typically encourages displaced workers to register for reemployment services immediately, and more announcements may follow as closure preparations move forward.
Should Wisconsin offer stronger protections for workers facing sudden large-scale layoffs?
Drop your thoughts in the comments — especially if you’re from Kenosha or work in logistics.
