Kroger is closing its Lew DeWitt Boulevard store in Waynesboro in June, citing increasing competition in the grocery market that have contributed to year-over-year losses at the location.
“The additional grocery options have outpaced the population growth of the community,” said Allison McGee, corporate affairs manager for Kroger’s Mid-Atlantic Division.
“Operating two stores is no longer financially feasible,” said McGee. “With the DeWitt Boulevard store’s lease expiring in a few months, we have decided to close that store and invest in the Arch Avenue store, which is larger and has a fuel center,” explained McGee.
The Lew Dewitt Boulevard store, which opened in 1999, employs approximately 70 associates; 40 of whom are part-time.
The upgrade of the Arch Avenue store is expected to be complete before the Lew DeWitt Boulevard store closes. The Arch Avenue store will have an entirely new look including new lighting, a spruced-up exterior, an improved vestibule and renovated restrooms.
“We appreciate the support of the Waynesboro community for more than 75 years,” said McGee. “The improvements to the Arch Avenue store will provide our customers with a modern store.
“We’re grateful for the service and dedication of the associates at the DeWitt Blvd. store,” added McGee. “We appreciate their contributions, and we are working with them to identify positions in other Kroger store locations.”
Kroger has been part of the Waynesboro community since the 1930s. The first store was at 322 Main Street. The second store at Short and Market Streets opened in 1941. The Arch Avenue store opened in 1974.
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