Kroger Buys Hiller's Markets

The Kroger Co. announced today that it is buying the seven-unit Hiller's Markets chain in suburban Detroit. The transaction includes Hiller's stores in West Bloomfield, Ann Arbor, Northville, Plymouth, South Lyon and Commerce Township. With the exception of the Commerce Township store, all Hiller's stores will be converted to the Kroger banner after the sale closes, expected sometime in July. The Commerce Township store at 3010 Union Lake Road will be closed because Kroger operates a new store and fuel station directly across the street. "After 75 years of providing the finest quality groceries and services to Southeast Michigan, I am pleased that Hiller's legacy of excellence will be continued by The Kroger Company," Jim Hiller, president and CEO of Hiller's Markets, said in a statement. "I encourage Hiller's customers to continue shopping at Kroger following the transition and to continue to support their favorite associates." Local social media was abuzz after the announcement with many shoppers expressing dismay and upset that Hiller's will soon be gone from the Detroit landscape. Many said they appreciated the store's friendly employees, its depth of unusual brands and that Hiller's would stock a product based on a customer's request or suggestion.