BOISE, ID - Winco has joined the small format revolution, it seems, revealing a new 40,000-sq.-ft. store in Keizer, Oregon. With full produce, meat, and bulk foods department, this format designed for special markets revives the retailers original “Waremart" banner name.
“We’re bringing the Waremart name back for this special store,” explained a WinCo Foods spokesperson in a press release. “WinCo just recently closed on the purchase of the property and will commence construction just as soon as they have permits in hand to remodel the store.”
In addition to its full departments shrunken down to fit the new format, the Waremart by WinCo store will also focus on a variety of organic, gluten-free, and natural foods items. When complete, Winco says the new store will employ approximately 75-80 individuals, and will be open daily from approximately 6 am to 11 pm.
According to a report by the Statesman Journal, the land the store will be on has seen ownership by several different retailers after Haggen tried its hand there in 2015. The now bankrupt grocer purchased this property and others following the merger between Safeway and Albertsons. That Haggen location shuttered within months, the report states.
“WinCo Foods has long been looking to open in the Keizer area,” added the WinCo Foods spokesperson in a press release. “We’ve heard the voices of Keizer residents and are happy to bring a unique store to the Keizer market. Our employee-owners look forward to serving our customers in this new location. We also want to thank the people of Keizer, who have been so patient as we work through to complete the project.”
Founded as Waremart in Boise, Idaho in 1967, WinCo Foods changed its name in 1999 to reflect the employee ownership aspect of the company, but retained the rights to the Waremart name. This will be a revival of that original banner.
