KROGER REBANNERS UTAH FRED MEYERS

CINCINNATI -- Kroger Co. here said it plans to convert five Fred Meyer stores in Utah to the Marketplace format under the Smith's Marketplace banner in June.

Utah, "until a suitable tenant is identified."

The Marketplace format, which was developed several years ago to accommodate the 100,000-square-foot Smitty's stores Kroger acquired in Phoenix, is a hybrid that combines full-service grocery and pharmacy with a full selection of general merchandise.

The five stores set for conversion average 154,000 square feet, and are located in Salt Lake City, Bountiful, Holladay, Logan and West Jordan in the Wasatch Front region.

Kroger said the stores will be remodeled at a total cost of over $7.5 million to accommodate expanded grocery, produce, frozen food and dairy departments, as well as new bakery and service delis.