MOUNT GILEAD — Kroger associate Debbie Jordan is delighted with the new look of the Mount Gilead Kroger store.
Jordan has been file clerk 29 years at the store and was honored at the Wednesday ribbon cutting as the first person employed by the store when it opened in 1988.
“I love all the new colors in the store,” said Jordan. “It makes it a lot lighter and brighter.”
Marilyn Desjardins was hired just a few days after Jordan in 1988. Both Jordan and Desjardins were honored for being the longest employed by the store. They are two of 120 employees.
All the employees — known as associates — had big smiles seeing the $2.8 million remodeling finished and shelves stocked. New LED lighting and new cases for produce, meats and deli are featured in the remodel, along with new product offerings.
Mike Murphy, Vice President for Operations in the Columbus area, said this is the third remodel for the Mount Gilead store. The first remodel was in 2004 followed by a remodel in 2011. The fuel station was installed in 2005.
Murphy said a number of factors go into deciding to remodel a store. They remodel in growing communities, then look at when the last remodel was done and when new offerings and installations are available.
Murphy thanked customers for their patience and said it’s the desire of the company to have an improved and uplifting shopping experience. Murphy introduced store manager, Josh Rostorfer, who has been with the Kroger Company for 16 years. He started in Kenton as a clerk.
“This is an outstanding day for a beautiful and phenomenal store,” Rostorfer said. “I am proud of the company and you associates. You are the magic that can make it happen.”
