Kroger and its technology partner Ocado Group announced that Kroger will make a one-time cash payment of $350 million to Ocado. The payment, expected in January 2026, is compensation for Kroger's decision to close three of its existing robotic customer fulfillment centers and to halt plans for a new facility in Charlotte, North Carolina. This move is part of a broader strategic review of Kroger's e-commerce business as it aims to achieve profitability in its online operations by 2026. Despite scaling back parts of their agreement, the partnership will continue. Kroger and Ocado will still collaborate at five other fulfillment centers, and Kroger plans to deploy Ocado's latest technology, including new freezer automation, in its upcoming Phoenix, Arizona facility. Following the announcement, Ocado's shares saw a significant jump of 10% in early trading.