Hy-Vee's Aggressive Growth Includes More C-stores

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Hy-Vee Inc.'s $20.8-million investment in a new supermarket and adjoining convenience store here is part of an aggressive strategy to open new stores, update existing stores and expand into new markets, according to President, CEO and Chairman Randy Edeker.

The Springfield store opened May 6 at 2115 S. MacArthur Blvd., the State Journal-Register reported. The supermarket will operate 24 hours a day, while the adjoining convenience store will be open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. The site also includes a Market Grille full-service restaurant; a pharmacy with a drive-thru; a "Health Market" department; a wine and spirits store with an outside entrance; and an on-site dietitian.

Edeker stated that opening the new store on the site of a former Kmart is not an unusual move for the West Des Moines, Iowa-based company. "...To us, we thought that's a good spot. I know we can do well in Springfield because we'll treat people right and draw people to this part of town," he said.

Hy-Vee plans to open four new supermarkets -- including the Springfield location, which is No. 238 for the company -- by the end of its fiscal year on Sept. 30. It also plans to expand or remodel 10 supermarket locations, relocate two and open 16 convenience stores by then.

The company previously announced plans to expand into the Minneapolis market.

"We have a capital budget over the next five years equal to this year," Edeker said. "You'll see us continue to focus."