CINCINNATI, OH - Kroger has announced plans for a $464.6 million expansion, including 11 new stores and 22 store expansions or remodels, in central Indiana. The expansion is expected to bring 3,440 permanent jobs to the state. 

“Kroger has remained very competitive in the marketplace because we recognize the critical importance of investing in stores with features appropriate to the 21st century marketplace and evolving customer expectations,” said Jeff Burt, President of Kroger's Central Division, according to The Star Tribune. 

Kroger has been working on this four-year plan for a year so far, and has already built seven Kroger Marketplace stores in the Indianapolis area, according to The Star Tribune. “Kroger Marketplaces” are Kroger’s largest banners at about 125,000 square feet and include cafes and apparel shops. These seven stores alone are expected to cost $141 million and create 1,530 jobs.

Kroger also said it will expand its Simple Truth natural and organic food offerings.

Kroger’s expansion plans come at the same time that many of its competitors expand in the area as well. According to The Star Tribune, competitors in the same region include Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, Earth Fare, Meijer, Marsh, Aldi, Target, and Wal-Mart.

According to news source, The Indy Star, other highlights from Kroger’s expansion plan include: 

• New Kroger Marketplace locations include 11700 Olio Road in Fishers; U.S. 31 and Mallory Parkway in Franklin; and 8850 S. Emerson Road and 5325 E. Thompson Road in Indianapolis. Other locations are yet to be announced.
• New Kroger Superstores locations include Ind. 135 and Smokey Row Road in Greenwood; 116th Street and Michigan Road in Zionsville; and Southport and Franklin roads in Indianapolis.
• $58 million store expansions include stores at 1217 South Range Line Road in Carmel; Independence Drive at U.S. 31 South in Greenwood; and 150 W. 161st St. in Westfield.
• Store remodel locations include stores in Indianapolis, Mooresville, Greenfield, and Franklin.
• Other remodels include 22 pharmacies, 16 new fuel centers, 24 Murrays Cheese locations, 27 Starbucks stores, and 14 Little Clinics.

Stay tuned for continued updates on Kroger’s developing expansion plans.

Kroger