MOUNT VERNON — Word on the street over the past number of months has been Kroger will be expanding its business on Coshocton Avenue, utilizing plaza space to the west of its current facility.
Despite information resulting from the current move of GameScape, and information obtained from the property owner, Kroger Co. remains tight-lipped about expansion news.
“We’ve talked with a real estate group in Columbus,” said Amy McCormick, Columbus Kroger spokeswoman. “We’re looking at different avenues but have no plans of expansion at this time.”
Lynne Spencer, manager for the Mount Vernon Kroger, could not comment on expansion plans stating that all decisions are being handled by the corporate offices in Columbus.
Fliers were recently distributed to GameScape customers, letting store visitors know they would be closed July 25 to 29 in order to “make way for the Kroger expansion,” while they move to another storefront east of Kroger.
The Coshocton Avenue property which houses the shopping plaza is owned by Ben Butt from Chillicothe.
“I believe that was part of their reason for moving (Country Treasures and GameScape),” said Butt when asked about Kroger’s expansion plans. “But as far as I know, they’re not moving yet; they’re supposed to let me know of their decision.”
Butt said conversations he had with personnel at Kroger’s corporate office said the store would be expanding when it built a gas station along Coshocton Avenue. He added he is holding off putting any feelers out for other businesses to fill the empty retail spaces until he hears more from Kroger.
