Hiller's phasing out some grocery items as part of Kroger transition

As Hiller's Market finalizes a deal that will result in all seven stores being purchased by Kroger, the company is slowly phasing out some items on the shelves.

However, Hiller's CEO Jim Hiller said the grocer will continue to receive fresh perishable products until Kroger takes over the Hiller's locations that will eventually become Kroger. Hiller said the stores are still buying fresh produce, meats, dairy and other perishable products.

The stores will also continue ordering products that Kroger has said will be sold in their stores once the transitions are complete. Brand name and everyday items like ketchup, mustard, cereal and more will not be phased out at Hiller's.

But that's not the case for all the items currently on the shelves.

"The products that Kroger will not carry, we are selling off at a reduced rate," Hiller said, adding that he does not know everything that Kroger will be carrying on its shelves.

Items that are being discontinued will be tagged and sold as last-chance items. Some of the items being reduced include craft beers and international products. Once those items are gone, they will not be restocked.

Kroger representatives have said they will retain some of the products that Hiller's is known for carrying, but which products will be kept have not been released.

Earlier this month, Hiller's announced it was selling the company to Kroger and that all seven locations would be included in the sale. Kroger will be converting six of the stores but will close the Union Lake location.

Kroger hopes the transition of the stores won't take long and wants the moves to be completed this summer. The sale of Hiller's is expected to be finalized in July.

A sale price for the company has not been disclosed. More than 800 employees have received layoff notices following the announcement, but Kroger has encouraged those employees to apply for jobs with Kroger.

Matt Durr is a business reporter for The Ann Arbor News. Email him at mattdurr@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter.

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