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.

Kroger announced Aug. 18 closures of the Kent East Hill Fred Meyer and an Everett Fred Meyer in October. The latest planned closures at the Lake City Way store in Seattle and the Redmond store along NE 76th Street. The closure of four stores will impact 703 employees.

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