CINCINNATI — The Kroger Co. will end remote working arrangements for thousands of its local office employees in the new year, providing a boost to downtown restaurants and retail.

The Cincinnati-based grocery chain told employees this week that it will require all corporate associates to work five days a week in the office, starting in January.

“As we’ve sought to simplify our ways of working and strengthen our support for our store teams, we see that in-person collaboration helps us move faster, problem solve more quickly, and better align on our priorities,” said Tim Massa, a Kroger executive vice president in charge of human resources. “With our stores, manufacturing plants and distribution centers operating around the clock to serve our customers, we are updating the in-office expect

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