Hy-Vee, a major Midwest grocery retailer, opens its first store in Wisconsin today.
“From what I’ve heard Hy-Vee is looking at the state rather than just one market,” says President of the Wisconsin Grocers Association Brandon Scholz.
He says the capitol city is considered by industry insiders to be a wide open market for additional stores, this despite a recent Cub Foods closing just down the road. Although Madison might support a new grocer other Wisconsin cities may not as regions vary depending on demographics and employment levels, according to Scholz.
Hy-Vee, who operates employee owned stores, is known for having a strong management system.
Wisconsin makes the eight state for the Iowa-based grocer to set up shop, an addition that Scholz calls “a positive sign” that the Badger State is positioned for growth despite a recession.
The new location is a 90,000 square foot facility on Madison’s east side.