Altogether, spending on new store construction, remodels of existing stores and fuel center builds is expected to reach a total $107 million in 2015, Betzler said.
“There are a lot of factors that go into a new store location. One of the main things we look for is growth in the community in that area,” Betzler said. “It has to make business sense.”
Additionally, major remodeling projects are being eyed at existing Kroger stores in Woodlawn and Lemon, Sugarcreek, and Anderson townships. The Woodlawn, Lemon Twp. and Sugarcreek Twp. stores will be updated with new decor and equipment, Betzler said. The Anderson Twp. location will involve more extensive renovations, and she said there are more details to come about that.
When asked about plans to build a new Kroger to replace an aging store on Liberty Fairfield Road in Liberty Twp., Betzler said, “We are looking at an opportunity in that area.”
“We will know more in the next two to three months,” she said.
However, shoppers on Tuesday at the Liberty Fairfield Road Kroger said they don’t necessarily think a bigger store is better.
“I know this one has been here for a long time and it’s always good for an update, but I’m more of not a Marketplace fan,” said Jessica Hatfield, of Monroe. “Too big.”
“I’m sure there’s more of a selection at a Marketplace, but I feel like I have to walk a mile to get to the milk. I like a smaller store,” Hatfield said.
Leslie Pensak, of Liberty Twp., agreed that she wouldn’t want to walk the length of a larger Marketplace store, even if it meant a wider choice of groceries.
“I can always find what I need here and get in and out fast,” Pensak said.
Additionally, Kroger has been presented plans for a new store location at the Cornerstone of Centerville North development on Wilmington Pike. “But we don’t have anything in the works about that,” she said.
Cincinnati-based Kroger is looking to increase its level of spending, following about $70 million worth of investments made this year in the company's home division. Shoppers saw a new Florence Marketplace open this year in Kentucky, for example.
One of the nation's largest players in the grocery business, Kroger announced in September a major hiring push to fill 20,000 permanent jobs across a 34-state footprint due to growth. Hiring plans included 1,200 available positions in the Cincinnati/Dayton Division, which stretches from Northern Kentucky to Springfield.
“As a company, that way capital is looked at, it’s not the same equal share for your area. It’s based on how your area is doing,” Betzler said.
“We do lead the market here with market share.”
Other investments so far in 2014 included remodels of Kroger stores in the Cincinnati neighborhood of Hartwell on Vine Street; and Milford in Clermont County. Three remodeling projects are under construction right now and will be completed by the end of the year or early next year. Those sites are: Mt. Zion Road, Ky.; Batesville, Ind.; and Huber Heights.
New apparel departments led to minor remodeling of stores at the Liberty Twp. Marketplace Kroger on Yankee Road; and stores in Lebanon, Middletown and Centerville. By the end of November, sites in Walton and Hebron, Ky.; and Beavercreek will also be updated with clothing sections, according to Betzler.
Capital investment on Kroger stores in the region was approximately $71 million in 2013.
Presently, Kroger operates 109 stores in the Cincinnati/Dayton Division employing more than 20,000 people, according to the Fortune 500 company.
About the Author