Kroger closing 2 California stores after city orders pay hike Share Updated: 9:46 AM EST Feb 4, 2021 The Associated Press Share Updated: 9:46 AM EST Feb 4, 2021 The Associated Press Kroger Co. will close two Southern California supermarkets in response to a local ordinance requiring extra pay for certain grocery employees working during the pandemic.The decision announced by the company Monday follows a unanimous vote last month by the Long Beach City Council mandating a 120-day increase of $4 an hour for employees of supermarkets with at least 300 employees nationwide and more than 15 in Long Beach.Kroger said it will close a Ralphs market and a Food 4 Less on April 17, the Press-Telegram reported.“As a result of the City of Long Beach’s decision to pass an ordinance mandating Extra Pay for grocery workers, we have made the difficult decision to permanently close long-struggling store locations in Long Beach,” the company