Kroger closing one Waynesboro store this summer

After nearly 20 years in operation, one of Waynesboro's two Kroger locations is closing its doors.

According to a public statement from the business, the Kroger on Lew DeWitt Blvd. will close this June.

Kroger attributes the closing to the opening of three grocery stores in Waynesboro over the past 12 years, which caused the DeWitt Blvd. store to lose money.

“The additional grocery options have outpaced the population growth of the community,” said Allison McGee, corporate affairs manager for Kroger’s Mid-Atlantic Division.

While the store's statement did not name the stores they were referring to, a new Walmart Neighborhood Market opened along West Broad St. just two years ago.

With the closing of this location, Kroger is shifting focus in Waynesboro to its long-time Arch Avenue location, which is undergoing significant upgrades.

“Operating two stores is no longer financially feasible,” said McGee. “With the DeWitt Blvd. store’s lease expiring in a few months, we have decided to close that store and invest in the Arch Avenue store, which is larger and has a fuel center."

The remodel on Arch Avenue will include new lighting, a spruced-up exterior, an improved vestibule and renovated restrooms.

“We appreciate the support of the Waynesboro community for more than 75 years,” said McGee. “The improvements to the Arch Avenue store will provide our customers with a modern store."

About 70 associates are employed at the DeWitt Blvd. store, including 40 part-time employees. McGee stated that Kroger is helping them look for jobs at other Kroger locations in the area, which could include Waynesboro, Staunton, or Harrisonburg.

“We’re grateful for the service and dedication of the associates at the DeWitt Blvd. store,” added McGee. “We appreciate their contributions and we are working with them to identify positions in other Kroger store locations.”

Kroger has operated at least one store in Waynesboro since the 1930s, when opened at 322 Main Street. The second store at Short and Market Streets opened in 1941. The Arch Avenue store opened in 1974.