Grocery Outlet Will Open New Oakland Location

The store will replace a shuttered pharmacy, marking a strategic expansion in the local market.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Grocery Outlet Will Open New Oakland Location

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Grocery Outlet will open an independently operated location at 301 E. 18th St. in Oakland on October 22, 2026. This launch follows the company's regional expansion trend despite a national contraction of underperforming stores earlier this year.

Why it matters

The opening signals continued footprint adjustments for the brand as it balances site-specific growth against a wider 36-store reduction plan announced in March. For local operators, the move highlights the ongoing turnover of retail spaces previously occupied by national pharmacy chains.

The new site follows a company-wide initiative that saw 36 underperforming stores close in March. During the opening, the store will distribute up to $500 in gift cards to each of the first 100 customers.

The players

Grocery Outlet

A discount supermarket chain operating through independent owner-operators.

Jorge Cossio

The independent owner and operator of the new Oakland store.

Trybe

A local nonprofit organization receiving a $1,000 donation from the store opening.

The details

The new Oakland store, operated by Jorge Cossio, occupies the facility at 301 E. 18th St. that was vacated by Walgreens in February 2025. The operation includes a $1,000 donation to the local nonprofit Trybe to support community integration. The launch will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. to mark the store's entry into the Eastlake neighborhood.

October 22, 2026: The new store opens at 8 a.m.
October 22, 2026: Ribbon-cutting ceremony occurs at 10:30 a.m.
February 2025: Previous occupant Walgreens vacated the space.
March 2026: Parent company announced 36 store closures.
Early 2027: Planned opening for a Moraga location.

Market Landscape

This opening follows the March 2026 announcement of 36 store closures that signaled a broader portfolio optimization. The move aligns with the brand's pattern of replacing vacated national pharmacy footprints with smaller-format discount grocery operations.

Owners should monitor how the transition of large-format pharmacy space to smaller grocery retail alters local foot traffic patterns. Consider whether nearby vacancy trends provide opportunities for lower-cost leasing as national chains continue to consolidate their footprints.

The takeaway

The brand is shifting its real estate strategy toward more targeted, locally operated sites despite recent national store reductions. Operators should track the conversion of former pharmacy spaces as a signal for potential commercial real estate availability in the area.