Kroger Enters Chicago Market
By George Anderson
Safeway may be looking to sell Dominick’s so it can exit the Chicagoland market,
but Kroger seems intent on making a place for itself operating stores under
the Food 4 Less banner.
Kroger announced that it will open its first Chicago grocery store next week
in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood. The warehouse store will occupy
a building on a lot that once included a Montgomery Wards store.
Crain’s Chicago Business reports that the Back of the Yards Food 4 Less
will have company in the near future with Kroger closing “deals for stores in
Melrose Park, Elgin, Carpentersville and Waukegan.” The publication also reports
that Kroger “is negotiating for two sites in Aurora and is believed to be interested
in a site at Kostner and North avenues in Chicago.”
Moderator’s Comment: What are your thoughts on Kroger
entering the Chicago market?
Crain’s reports that Kroger spent $6 million renovating
the Back of the Yards building. Food 4 Less’ no-frills approach and Kroger’s
financial backing could make the chain a serious player in the market.
[George
Anderson – Moderator]