Kroger Eyeing Marketplace Concept in Ky.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Kroger is looking to introduce its Marketplace superstore concept to its Mid-South division here, published reports said Wednesday. Kroger Marketplace stores typically exceed 120,000 square feet and include expanded varieties of nonfood items such as appliances and home furnishings. The Cincinnati-based retailer has rolled out Marketplace stores in Arizona and Utah and in the Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio markets. The rollout in Ohio followed labor cost reductions such as those recently announced in Louisville to outsource warehousing and transportation to third parties. A report in the Courier-Journal newspaper here said Lexington is the likely location for the division‘s first Marketplace store.