15 Grocery Store Chains That No Longer Exist
This list looks at once-popular grocery store chains that have disappeared over time.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Many grocery store chains that were once neighborhood staples have vanished, whether due to financial struggles, merges, or changing shopping habits. Some were beloved for their unique offerings, while others could not keep up with bigger competitors. Here is a look at the stores that once lined busy streets but are now part of history.
1. A&P (The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company)
Self Scanned on Wikimedia Commons
A&P was once a retail giant, with thousands of stores across the U.S. Its fall came as competition from modern supermarkets grew stronger, forcing it to close its last stores in 2025.
2. Alpha Beta
Robert Nagy on Pexels
Famous for its alphabetical store layout, Alpha Beta was a West Coast favorite. The brand disappeared after mergers and rebranding in the late 1990s.
3. Fresh & Easy
Uforik on Wikimedia Commons
Tesco’s attempt to break into the U.S. market with Fresh & Easy did not last long. Despite its convenience, it struggled financially and shut down in 2015.
4. Dominick’s
Retaildesigner on Wikimedia Commons
Once a household name in Chicago, Dominick’s was known for its fresh produce and local feel. Safeway’s acquisition led to its downfall, and the brand vanished in 2013.
5. Winn-Dixie (Certain Locations)
Phillip Pessar on Wikimedia Commons
While some locations still exist, many Winn-Dixie stores have disappeared over the years. Financial troubles and shifting consumer preferences forced widespread closures.
6. Bruno’s Supermarkets
Андрей Романенко on Wikimedia Commons
Once a major player in the South, Bruno’s could not recover from financial struggles. A series of sales and bankruptcies led to its end in 2012.
7. Food Lion (Certain Locations)
Harrison Keely on Wikimedia Commons
Food Lion once had a large presence, but many stores shut down due to competition and market shifts. While the brand still exists, its footprint has shrunk.
8. Eagle Food Centers
Андрей Романенко on Wikimedia Commons
A once-thriving Midwestern grocery chain, Eagle Food Centers closed for good in 2003. The rise of bigger competitors made it difficult for the brand to survive.
9. Marsh Supermarkets
Missvain on Wikimedia Commons
An Indiana favorite for decades, Marsh Supermarkets struggled financially and could not keep up with larger chains. By 2017, all its stores had shut down.
10. Safeway (Certain Locations)
Steve Michaels on Wikimedia Commons
Safeway still exists but has pulled out of several markets over the years. Many long-time customers had to switch to new grocery options when their local stores disappeared.
11. Delchamps
Chris Pruitt on Wikimedia Commons
This Southern chain had a loyal following but was acquired by Jitney Jungle in the late 1990s. Shortly after, it disappeared from the grocery landscape.
12. AppleTree Markets
Linsensuppe on Wikimedia Commons
AppleTree Markets tried to keep the Safety brand alive in Texas but eventually failed. Financial difficulties led to its slow decline.
13. Grand Union
FotoPhest on Wikimedia Commons
Once a major grocery store in the Northeast, Grand Union faced tough competition. By the early 2000s, most locations had shut down.
14. Red Owl
The Bushranger on Wikimedia Commons
Red Owl had a strong Midwestern presence, but changes in the industry led to its decline. It disappeared after its acquisition in the late 1980s.
15. Schwegmann Giant Supermarkets
Postcard Specialties, New Orleans, LA on Wikimedia Commons
A New Orleans institution, Schwegmann’s was known for its massive stores and unique shopping experience. Economic challenges led to its closure in the late 1990s.