FORT WAYNE -- Kroger Co. hopes to soften the blow of a store closing by announcing a more than $2 million renovation at a neighboring location.
The Cincinnati-based retailer on Friday said it will not reopen its grocery at 3109 N. Anthony Blvd., which has been closed since May when major structural damage forced its shuttering. Even so, District Manager Chris Gomez believes the remodeling at the 4120 N. Clinton store will help accommodate customers of the North Anthony store, particularly since "many of them have already started to shop here."
"It's less than two miles away," he said.
The company has invested $105 million in Fort Wayne since 2009, including purchasing shopping centers. Officials said renovation of the North Clinton store became necessary after it could no longer occupy the North Anthony outlet, where Kroger was leasing space.
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pwyche@jg.net
