Martin’s Announces Plans To Close & Remodel Ukrop’s Stores In Waves

Martin’s announced plans Tuesday morning to remodel and renovate all 25 Ukrop’s stores in the Richmond and Williamsburg areas, closing them on a staggered schedule for one week each while signage is changed out, fresh paint is applied and other updates are made. “Today’s announcement of a significant, multi-million dollar investment in the future of our […]

March 9, 2010; 9:02 PM • by Trevor Dickerson

Martin’s announced plans Tuesday morning to remodel and renovate all 25 Ukrop’s stores in the Richmond and Williamsburg areas, closing them on a staggered schedule for one week each while signage is changed out, fresh paint is applied and other updates are made.

“Today’s announcement of a significant, multi-million dollar investment in the future of our stores is important news, not only for our customers and 3,600 associates, but for the Greater Richmond community,” said Jim Scanlon, regional vice president of Martin’s. “As a business, we intend to continue our tradition of supporting local suppliers from the painters we’ll need to refresh the stores to the local produce that customers will continue to find.”

The remodeling and refurbishments are expected to be completed at all 25 stores later this spring. In order to lessen the impact on shoppers, the renovation of individual stores will take place in rotations, with a staggered closing of stores for one week while work is completed. During the renovations, pharmacies and in-store banks will remain open to the public.

Tracy Pawelski, Director of Public and Community Relations for Martin’s, says the exact dates of closings will be announced soon, and no more than four stores will be closed at a time. “Stores will close in waves that will enable customers to shop at surrounding stores while their store is under renovation,” Pawelski said. “The extent of the renovations and addition of amenities will vary by store. Stores will feature a more consistent look, very similar to the Short Pump store.”

“This is great news for our community as this investment by Martin’s will pump much needed revenue into the local and regional economy,” Kim Scheeler, President and CEO of the Greater Richmond Chamber said. “Their investment in the infrastructure of these stores and their use of local companies reaffirms their long-term commitment to the community here.”

Representatives of parent company Giant-Carlisle said the investment will be spent on capital upgrades including increased refrigeration, improved lighting, maintenance and repairs, and updated signage and décor packages throughout all of the stores. All 23 cafes will receive new tables and chairs and be wired
for Wi-Fi capability, increasing from eight Wi-Fi cafes today. The extent of the remodels and addition of new amenities will vary by store.

Additional millions will be invested in the installation of customer conveniences including increasing the number of self check-outs per store and adding self check-outs to an additional five stores.

March 9, 2010 9:02 PM 0