If you were planning a quick trip to the supermarket Sunday afternoon, consider this your heads-up: multiple major grocery chains pulled the plug early as Winter Storm Fern moved through the region.
Giant Eagle and its Market District banner announced Sunday that stores would close at 4 p.m. for the day, citing customer and team-member safety. Company spokespeople said locations opened as usual that morning and saw steady — if light — traffic as people picked up needed items before the early shutdown. Giant Eagle said it expects to resume normal hours the following day.
A separate decision from Kroger covered much of the Cincinnati area: stores in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Dayton were scheduled to close at 6 p.m. Sunday, with the company also planning to reopen Monday at regular hours. Kroger’s move came as the National Weather Service warned of another 2 to 3 inches of snow in the region and noted that the back edge of the storm would sweep through between late afternoon and evening.
Why the early closures matter
Retailers say the choice to close early is about safety — for shoppers and for the associates who stock shelves, run registers and keep stores running. In short, when roads deteriorate and plow schedules get tied up, fewer staff can safely get to work and fewer customers should be out driving. Both chains emphasized appreciation for employees who helped communities access food during the week leading up to the shutdowns.
Beyond safety, early closures change the rhythm of a community. People working shifts that end around traditional store-closing times may need to rethink dinner plans, and food banks and community services that rely on grocery deliveries can see their schedules disrupted. Local jurisdictions in the storm’s path also announced a range of cancellations and closures — from schools to courts and public events — as municipalities respond to changing conditions.
Practical tips for shoppers
If you still need essentials: call ahead, check your local store’s official website or social channels for the latest hours, and avoid last-minute travel on untreated roads. Keep basic supplies in a small storm kit — bottled water, a few nonperishables and medicine — especially if heavy snow or icy travel is expected. If you have to go out, allow extra travel time and drive cautiously.
Companies generally intend to return to normal hours once conditions improve; both Giant Eagle and Kroger signaled plans to reopen the next business day. For the most current information on store hours or localized storm warnings, check official company pages and the National Weather Service.
This storm is a reminder that even familiar errands can be unsettled by rapidly changing weather. A little planning goes a long way — and on days like Sunday, sooner is better than later when it comes to picking up groceries.