Kroger will build its largest Virginia store west of Richmond in Charlottesville. Construction is expected to begin early next year on the 100,000 square foot store in Seminole Square Shopping Center.
Kroger will invest $28 million in building the store, which will be located at site of the former Giant’s store which will be demolished. When the store opens in early 2018, Kroger will close its store at 1904 Emmet Street and Hydraulic Road. Its fuel center will remain at that location.
The store will employ approximately 250 people, including 100 who will transfer from the Hydraulic Road store.
“In addition to the economic impact of 150 new jobs, we estimate that Kroger will pay approximately $1 million in taxes to local, state and federal governments,” says Allison McGee, spokesperson for Kroger’s Mid-Atlantic Division. “Kroger’s investment, the additional new jobs, and these incremental tax revenues represent a significant contribution to the Charlottesville economy.” Kroger did not ask the City for any economic incentives.
Kroger has signed a lease for the property with an entity related to Great Eastern Management Company. Great Eastern is a Charlottesville-based real estate development, construction, finance and management company, which is planning an extensive renovation of Seminole Square.
“The Seminole Square store will have wider aisles, more check-out lanes, and many more products in an open, airy environment with natural lighting,” said McGee. “The store is designed for energy-efficiency and will be finished with materials that require fewer chemicals for cleaning.”
Customers will enjoy a sizable indoor seating and tastings area, Soup and Salad Bar, Starbucks, Murray’s Cheese Shop, and a beverage center stocked with a large selection of beer and wine. The store will feature a drive-thru pharmacy and an entrance directly into a curbside “grab and go” section of the Deli/Bakery. It also will be networked with Kroger’s shopping service, ClickList, for easy online shopping.
“Simply put, this store will have all the ‘bells and whistles,’” says McGee. “There will even be a pet department with refrigerated treats and food.”
The construction of the Seminole Square store follows updates of Kroger stores in Barracks Road and Rio Hill Shopping Centers. Kroger currently employs approximately 600 associates in Charlottesville and remains the market leader in grocery sales volume. Kroger has been part of the Charlottesville community since 1959.
