CINCINNATI, OH - It’s always an exciting time to grow and expand in the retail sector. Kroger is fueling the excitement with a potential $24 million relocation and expansion plan in Louisville, Kentucky, growing its presence in the city.
According to Louisville Business First, the grocery chain is eyeing Louisville as its next base of operations for its Jefferson Country pharmacy prescription central filling service. The larger facility, if pursued, will be equipped with upgraded automation to increase the company’s prescription refill volume, according to a filing with the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA), the news source stated. With a more focused attention on it’s pharmacy division, the retailer is narrowing in on its customers’ needs, providing a more well-rounded customer service approach.
A company official said Kroger is evaluating the expansion plan now, but nothing has been finalized yet. The exact location and size of the potential facility was not disclosed, but the KEDFA filing indicates it could be established in the Fairdale area of Jefferson County. Could this investment be a sign of more overall growth and demand for the company—and could it be a stretch to wonder how produce could feel a potential ripple?
Kroger stated in the KEDFA filing that it would spend the bulk of the money—about $16.5 million—on new equipment for the facility. Other disclosed costs include $3.5 million for rent, $2 million for building improvements, and another $2 million for startup costs. The facility would do business under the banner of Kroger Specialty Pharmacy Central Fill, the filing stated.
The expanded facility is slated to potentially create 61 new jobs locally, paying an average hourly wage, including benefits, of $20 an hour, the filings showed. No further details were disclosed on when the plan would be approved or when the facility will be operational.
With a new expansion plan up in the air, who’s to say Kroger doesn’t have other facilities in mind to further expand its operations? AndNowUKnow will report once we find out the latest in the retail landscape.
