Kroger announced on October 13, 2026 that it will cut about 3,000 corporate jobs over three years and use AI for some of the work, per an internal memo viewed by CNBC. The company frames the savings as a way to lower grocery prices against Walmart and Aldi. Albertsons' suit over the failed merger went to trial in Delaware, with Albertsons seeking at least $8 billion. Reporting also notes that 30% of Kroger's net operating income comes from its alternative profits business, including customer data sales. What the AI will actually do, and whether the savings reach shoppers, remains open.