Martin's Announces Plans to Upgrade 25 Stores

RICHMOND, VA - MARTIN'S announced a significant investment plan to remodel and refurbish 25 former Ukrop's stores located in the Greater Richmond and Williamsburg communities. As part of the conversion to the MARTIN'S banner, the stores will be refreshed and updated for a spring debut.

Throughout the renovation process, MARTIN'S is utilizing regional contractors from architectural services, IT professionals, and all subcontractors including carpenters, electricians and plumbers. MARTIN'S also intends to continue its business relationships with the local agricultural community as well as other local suppliers who sell their products in its stores.

"Today's announcement of a significant, multi-million dollar investment in the future of our stores is important news, not only for our customers and 3,600 associates, but for the Greater Richmond community," said Jim Scanlon, regional vice president. "As a business, we intend to continue our tradition of supporting local suppliers from the painters we'll need to refresh the stores to the local produce that customers will continue to find."

The remodeling and refurbishments are expected to be completed at all 25 stores later this spring. In order to lessen the impact on shoppers, the renovation of individual stores will take place in rotations, with a staggered closing of stores for one week while work is completed. During the renovations, pharmacies and in-store banks will remain open to the public.

"We will share additional details as renovations are about to get underway," said Scanlon. "Not all stores will close at once so shoppers can continue to shop with us. We hope they will be as excited as we are when their store reopens."

"This is great news for our community as this investment by MARTIN'S will pump much-needed revenue into the local and regional economy," Kim Scheeler, President and CEO of the Greater Richmond Chamber said. "Their investment in the infrastructure of these stores and their use of local companies reaffirms their long-term commitment to the community here."

The investment will be spent on capital upgrades including increased refrigeration, improved lighting, maintenance and repairs, and updated signage and d'cor packages throughout all of the stores. All 23 cafes will receive new tables and chairs and be wired for wi-fi capability, increasing from eight wi-fi cafes today. The extent of the remodels and addition of new amenities will vary by store.

Additional millions will be invested in the installation of customer conveniences including increasing the number of self check-outs per store and adding self check-outs to an additional five stores. In order to assure a smooth transition, back office systems will be aligned with compatible Information Technology and point of sale systems.