Hy-Vee Heads East With First Store in Indiana

West Des Moines, Iowa-based supermarket chain Hy-Vee is heading east as its expansion plans include a new store in Indiana. 

Hy-Vee said the new Indiana store will be the first location outside the company’s current eight-state region, but it will not be the last. The supermarket chain made headlines after it said it would be expanding its footprint into several new states, including Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama.

Eyeing distribution growth outside of the supermarket chain’s home state, Hy-Vee is also looking to build a third distribution center in Tennessee.

“As Hy-Vee continues to grow and evolve, we have so much to offer consumers across the U.S. that we knew it was time to expand our footprint even further,” said Randy Edeker, chairman and CEO of Hy-Vee, in a statement. “As customers’ shopping habits change and their needs evolve, we have services and offerings that we believe will bring an entirely new retail experience to those in Indianapolis.”

The retailer said it is finalizing plans to secure approximately 26 acres at the southwest corner of Whitestown Parkway and S. County Road 700 E. in Zionsville, Ind., a suburb of Indianapolis. Plans call for an approximately 150,000-square-foot store.

Local Zionsville officials welcomed the news and see the plan for a new store as an economic opportunity for growth. “We are excited that Hy-Vee has chosen Zionsville as a location to put down new roots,” said Zionsville Mayor Emily Styron. “With their commitment to quality of service, variety of products, selection of healthy food and an in-store pharmacy, Hy-Vee will benefit Zionsville residents, our neighboring communities and visitors. We are grateful for the collaboration with the Hy-Vee team and welcome them to town.”

The supermarket chain also recently announced plans to film a dating show on Helpful Smiles TV network (HSTV), Hy-Vee’s digital streaming platform. The first season of the show, "Love at First Bite," includes eight episodes around 10 minutes long; different couples will be cast in each episode.

Hy-Vee Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 285 retail and has more than 93,000 employees.