Kroger, the grocery giant that owns Ralphs and Food 4 Less, is laying off nearly 1,000 corporate employees as it continues to restructure its business.

It’s the latest blow for the grocer that operates more than 300 stores in California and is recovering from a failed merger with Albertsons last year. The company is moving to trim costs and simplify its business model, according to an internal memo.

The affected associates are all corporate employees who do not work in stores, manufacturing facilities or distribution centers, a company spokesperson said Tuesday.

“These decisions are never easy, but we know thoughtful, yet difficult, choices are necessary to set our organization up for continued success,” interim Chief Executive Ron Sargent said in the memo.

Kroger employed more than

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