4 Grocery Chains Expanding Locations Right Now

The resolution that several top grocery stores made for 2022 appears to be something along the lines of "new year, new locations." That's because some of the biggest supermarket chains in the country are pushing their boundaries to reach new shoppers in the coming months.

Costco is one of the popular chains that is expanding its portfolio, and a new warehouse may pop up in your neck of the woods soon. If buying bulk isn't your journey, don't fret—three other beloved brands are also bracing to open additional stores in the near future.

Amazon Fresh

Almost 30 Amazon Fresh locations have opened up since the first store had its ribbon-cutting in September 2020—and even more are on the way.

A company spokesperson confirmed to the Kent Reporter that Amazon Fresh is opening its doors in Federal Way, Wash. The new store at the Commons mall will occupy the space that was once a Sears store. Signage is reportedly already hanging outside of the location, which will feature the coveted "Just Walk Out" technology that Amazon is known for.

Other Amazon Fresh stores have opened up recently in Eatontown and Holmdel, N. J., Westmont, Ill., and West Boca, Fla.

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Costco

Costco has steadily added more warehouses over the last few years, including 22 in 2021—and it's not stopping anytime soon. Costco Chief Financial Officer Richard Galanti recently outlined plans to open at least 23 new warehouses this year in a Q1 earnings call.

"It's been a busy past seven days," Galanti said on the December call, noting that the company had "opened our second Costco in France last Saturday on Dec. 4, followed by our second building in China, which opened yesterday, as well as two buildings opening this morning—opening today, one in the U.S. in Florida and our fourth unit in Spain."

The "New Locations Coming Soon" section of Costco's website has the most recent information. In December, stores opened in Melbourne, Fla.; Bilbao, Spain; and Suzhou, China. Next up? A location in Kelowna, British Columbia will open its doors in Canada this February.

H-E-B

Beloved Texas chain H-E-B revealed last year that new stores in the Dallas area would officially open in 2022, but the retailer isn't only launching locations in the state's third-largest city. A new H-E-B supermarket just opened its doors for business near Houston, adding to its 20+ total supermarkets in the area.

The kickoff for the Webster store featured a ball drop inspired by Times Square. The space, which is more than 100,000 square feet, features an expansive curbside pickup area with 26 parking spaces. It also has a metal shingle design that pays homage to the space shuttle in honor of its neighbor, NASA.

Kroger

After leaving the Sooner State decades ago, Kroger is opening office space and a warehouse in Oklahoma City, according to The Oklahoman. However, no physical stores are on the docket—at least as of now.

"Kroger is excited to continue serving our customers in both existing and new ways in new markets," the retailer told the newspaper. "We continue to expand our e-commerce business through delivery and other shopping options in response to customer demand to fulfill our brand promise of being fresh for everyone."

A 48,000-square-foot fulfillment center is also opening up in Indianapolis, Ind. It will be a part of the Kroger delivery network, which connects Americans to fresh food with the help of advanced robotics and artificial intelligence. Shoppers in 35 central Indiana zip codes will be able to receive deliveries at their doorsteps from the temperature-controlled delivery vans that load up at this facility.

"We're proud to welcome the Kroger fulfillment network to Indiana," Colleen Juergensen, president of Kroger's Central Division, said in a news release. "The new service is a wonderful addition to the expanding digital experience available to Kroger customers. The network's delivery spoke will provide unmatched customer service and improve access to fresh food in areas eager for the variety and value offered by Kroger."

In addition to the two warehouses, Kroger also just opened a newly expanded location in Spring Hill, Tenn. The upgraded store now boasts 100,000 square feet. Planned additions include a Murray's Specialty Cheese Shop and a Starbucks, according to Williamson Source.

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