As part of a new Shopko stores branding and concept, two Shopko Hometown stores have opened in the Upper Peninsula, in Ishpeming and Calumet.
Both replace former Pamida stores, and were opened this summer by
Shopko, which has been rolling out its Hometown stores in small communities for the past year.
The Shopko Hometown stores are meant to serve smaller markets, focusing on convenience, value and quality, according to Shopko president and CEO Paul Jones.
"As Shopko grows and evolves, we are continuously looking for innovative ways to serve our existing customers and to reach new customers," says Jones. "By leveraging the strengths of both our full-size Shopko stores and our Shopko Express model, we are able to introduce this new store concept to smaller markets where we have not previously had a presence and where there is a strong need for our products and services."
The stores offer a similar selection to full-size Shopko stores, including food, consumables, home products, apparel, and national and private brands. Pharmacies and optical centers are part of some of the Hometown stores, as well.
"We believe Shopko is uniquely positioned to offer broader assortments, brand name products and quality services at great values to residents of smaller towns," says Jones. "We believe Shopko Hometown is a perfect fit for these underserved areas. Shopko Hometown stores will allow shoppers to get a majority of their everyday items under one roof, in their own community at competitive prices."
Both the Calumet and Ishpeming stores went through several weeks of remodeling and new layouts before opening, and at the grand opening celebrations for each, Shopko managers presented checks for $2,500 to the local school districts, Ishpeming Public Schools and the Public Schools of Calumet, Laurium and Keweenaw.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Paul Jones, Shopko
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