Cincinnati-based grocery chain The Kroger Co. has big-box competition on the mind, the Detroit Free Press reports.
The chain, which operates 128 locations in Michigan, is bringing its “Marketplace” stores to Metro Detroit.
Kroger plans to invest $110 million in Michigan this year and hire 2,000 employees during the next 15 to 18 months.
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In an attempt to compete with big-box retailers like Meijer, Target and Wal-Mart, the Marketplace stores are two to three times the size of an average Kroger store and offer clothing, furniture, jewelry and home goods in addition to groceries.
A Kroger store in Lambertville was renovated and expanded this year into a Marketplace store, and a second Marketplace is planned for Shelby Township.
The stores are part of Kroger’s plan to invest $110 million in Michigan this year. The company plans to hire about 2,000 new employees in the state during the next 15 to 18 months.
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Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.