Kroger Invests $2M in Illinois Store Remodel
The Kroger Co. has cut the ribbon on a $1.9 million renovation project at its store in Ottawa, Ill. The location, at 2701 N. Columbus Street, received a variety of improvements, new features and new displays.
Additionally, the Kroger Pickup service was added to the Ottawa location, which the company said was instantly popular following its unveiling in May.
“The remodeling provides enhancements across the store, and with Kroger Pickup we offer even more convenience to our customers here in Ottawa,” said Colleen Juergensen, president of Kroger Central Division. “Our investment of nearly $2 million represents the company’s commitment to be Full, Fresh and Friendly, providing a store where customers love to shop and associates love to work.”
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Kroger honored Toni Rosencrans, the leader of the deli department, as the store’s longest-serving associate. Rosencrans joined the company in 1985, and was given a plaque, a bouquet of flowers and a Kroger gift card by Juergensen.
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Store leader Ben Sowa and Kroger district manager Brandon McKeller also presented a $1,000 check to support the River Bend Food Bank, which the organization plans to convert into 5,000 meals.
“While population in our service area has decreased slightly over the past year, the number of individuals facing food insecurity in that same timeframe has risen by almost 30%,” said food bank CEO Chris Ford. “We are grateful that organizations like Kroger understand the problem and are willing to join us in the fight to end food insecurity.”
Kroger's nearly 420,000 associates serve over 11 million customers daily through a digital shopping experience and retail food stores under a variety of banner names. The Cincinnati-based company is No. 4 on The PG 100, Progressive Grocer’s 2024 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America. PG also named Kroger among its Retailers of the Century.
