NEW GROCERY
STORE PLANS TO OPEN IN CAPE
It looks as if Cape Girardeau will be welcoming an additional
major brand food store and up to 150 new jobs. Albertson’s Inc, has contracted for
property at the north east corner of Kingshighway and Independence to build a 61,020
square foot Albertson’s Food Center. Albertson’s presently has over 2,400 stores
in 38 states. With sales of over $16 billion annually, they presently rank as the second largest retail food and drug operator in the
United States.
Tom Kelsey, broker for Lorimont Place, Ltd. who is handling the
transaction, confirmed that the company had contracted for the former Wolohan Lumber and Pollack properties
consisting of 7.4 acres. He also disclosed that he had presented a preliminary site plan
for the retail re-development of these combined properties this week to the city in behalf
of Albertson’s which indicates they are ready to move forward on this multi-million
dollar retail project.
Kelsey said many agencies have been working with him in getting
the site approval process to this point including Chamber officials, Mitch Robinson, Cape
Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association director, Scott Meyer, district engineer
with MODOT and various departments of the City of Cape. Kelsey said it is his
understanding that most of the 150 new jobs will be filled locally.
In 1939, Albertson’s founder, Joe Albertson opened a small grocery store in Boise,
Idaho. The company still headquarters in Boise and has grown to over 100,000 employees.
The Cape Albertson’s Food Center will feature a full line pharmacy and fresh bakery,
as well as their own free standing convenience store operation that will be built on a
portion of the property.
Kelsey said it is his understanding that the food and drug retailer has plans to open
sometime late next year, should all necessary approvals take place according to schedule.
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