Kroger's massive market makeover

PERKINS TWP. — The market truly experienced a super upgrade. About 100 people attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday to celebrate a refreshed look for the Sandusky-area Kroger, 226 E. Perkins Ave. The event occurred inside Kroger near its deli department. Those in attendance included Kroger executives, local store employees, area officials and first responders along with shoppers. This marks the first massive facelift for Sandusky's Kroger since relocating to its present-day location in 2016. Back then, the investment totaled about $20 million. First coming to Sandusky in 1956, Kroger relocated from down the street on West Perkins Avenue into its current building. All told, the latest improvements totaled about $1.5 million, an investment made solely by Kroger. The newly remodeled 123,000-plus-square-foot store now features Artisan Lite decor, an expanded produce selection with more selections, an enhanced bakery and more. People will also notice a different Kroger logo atop the main entrance and street-facing sign. "Our store renovations were designed with the customer in mind — and, after four months, we are thrilled to share the results," said Carla Hardy, the Sandusky Kroger store leader. "We appreciate our customer's patience during this process and thank the Sandusky community for their continued support of our store." Among some other highlights from Friday's presentation: • State Rep. D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron, presented a proclamation in honor of Kroger's remodel. He also gave kudos to several local government officials who helped Kroger get through this process. "Thank you Perkins Township for all of your hard work and Erie County for encouraging this investment in our community and for all of you in making this a great store," Swearingen said. "Truly, thank you to all of the workers for what you have done here to make this store great." • Kroger presented a $500 check to the Humane Society of Erie County through its ongoing pledge to support community organizations. Since 2022, Kroger has contributed an additional $8,000 to the humane society, a nonprofit relying solely on donations for its operations in sheltering as well as finding homes for cats and dogs. "The store does more than just retail," humane society executive director Melissa Gundlach said. "The donation means so much to the dogs and cats in the shelter. Community partners (like Kroger) allow us to do what we do every day. It truly takes a village, and we are proud that Kroger is part of our village." • Hardy and Ryan Wickline, a Kroger district manager, heaped much praise onto local Kroger employees enduring a laborious process amid remodeling. "I can't thank this team enough," Wickline said. "I think about everything this team has gone through. This team has been grateful and gracious. Thank you all for everything you have done." Hardy noted the Sandusky store collectively boasts more than 1,000 years of experience. In total, about 230 employees work at this store. Tops among the individuals: Paul Bollinger, a local Kroger employee for 45 years, who cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially unveil these upgrades. "We couldn't do any of this without this team," Hardy said. "We put a big plan in place, and it was a big one to achieve, and I just couldn't be more proud of everything you guys did." Want to go? At the Sandusky-area Kroger, store hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily with pharmacy hours set for: • 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays • 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays