New, larger Springboro Kroger store opens: ‘This is a tight-knit community’

On Wednesday, workers were stocking shelves and moving inventory to get ready for first customers. The older store was to be locked at 6 p.m. Wednesday by an associate who had worked at the former store when it originally opened. Some items such as bakery, meat and seafood were to be stocked overnight, just hours before the opening, said Jenifer Moore, Kroger’s Cincinnati/Dayton Division corporate affairs manager.

The 90,298-square-foot store is located in a building that housed a former Kmart store and features a new 14-pump fuel center and a pharmacy drive-thru.

Store Manager Josh Timler, a 13-year Kroger associate said, “This is a tight-knit community. We see our customers several times a week, if not daily, and we know so many faces from around the surrounding neighborhoods. Our associates contributed to developing the best Kroger store in Ohio while offering a unique experience to our Springboro customers. We’re proud of our store and community and are eager to deliver excellent customer service and take Springboro to new heights.”

Customers will be able to use their Kroger app to use QR codes to help find things in the larger store as well as specials.

“The new Springboro Kroger gives us the opportunity to offer customers a full, fresh and friendly experience from the moment they walk in our doors,” Moore said. “Customers will enjoy the fresh, new look and design of the store which will make shopping easier and more convenient – a true one-stop shopping experience. This investment is a result of the input we’ve received from our customers on what they would like to see at their neighborhood Kroger.”

The new new store will have 150 employees, which is 40% more than the old store.

The smaller 56,000 square-foot store located in the same shopping plaza is for lease but does not yet have a tenant.

The first 300 customers on Thursday will receive a $10 Kroger gift card and the store has events planned throughout the weekend.

There will be appearances by Hall of Fame Reds Broadcaster Marty Brennaman, from 10 a.m. to noon; and world champion competitive eater Joey Chestnut, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. said Jenifer Moore, Kroger’s Cincinnati/Dayton Division corporate affairs manager.

Kroger will present several organizations with checks totaling more than $10,000 from the company’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation. Timler will also have a special check presentation to Franklin High School Marching Band and to the Carlisle High School Marching Band following the bands’ performance.