CINCINNATI – The Kroger Co. here has expanded its partnership with Murray’s Cheese, a New York-based cheese importer and retailer, contracting to open 50 additional branded Murray’s store-within-a-store locations in its supermarkets over the next three years.

The decision to expand the partnership with Murray’s was spurred by the success of the first three locations, which were opened as part of a pilot test almost a year and a half ago in the Cincinnati market.

“Sales increases were significant,” Robert Kaufelt, president, Murray’s Cheese told SN. “When the specialty cheese departments in those stores were replaced with Murray’s, sales rose 50% to 100%.”

Even before the expansion agreement was signed, Kroger had opened a fourth Murray’s inside a new Dayton, Ohio, Fresh Fare format store. A number of Murray’s shops will be opened inside additional Kroger units by the end of next year, Kaufelt said.

“Expanding our relationship with Murray’s Cheese will allow Kroger’s family of stores to build on their [Murray’s] expertise as we expand our cheese offerings for our customers,” said Jeff Burt, vice president of deli-bakery merchandising for Kroger.

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