E VERETT — Supermarket giant Kroger will close the Fred Meyer store at 8530 Evergreen Way in Everett, citing a rise in theft as one the reasons, the company said in a statement on Monday. In addition to Everett, a Fred Meyer in Kent will also be shuttered, said Kroger spokesperson Tiffany Sanders in a statement.

When Kroger announced the closures of select stores nationwide, Everett was spared a QFC closure. However, today Kroger announced the closure of Fred Meyer on

Fred Meyer is closing locations in Kent and Everett due to what a spokesperson called "a steady rise in theft and a challenging regulatory environment."