Residents of tony Hilton Head Island, S.C., are getting the one thing they don’t currently have: a Kroger Marketplace, situated in the sprawling 42-acre mixed-use project under development by Kroger Real Estate and Blanchard & Calhoun Commercial.

ECOtality and The Kroger Co. announced an expanded partnership including over 200 level 2 (quick charge) charging stations, and 25 DC Fast Chargers, to be installed across key markets through the EV Project.

Joint-venture partners Kroger Real Estate and Blanchard & Calhoun Commercial announced Wednesday the launch of construction on the Shelter Cove Towne Centre, a 42-acre mixed-use development on Hilton Head Island, featuring the debut of Kroger Marketplace on the Island.

Kroger announced the planned retirement of VP and pension investment officer, Rich Manka.

The Kroger Co. announced the promotion of Jeff Burt as president of the company's Central division. Kroger's Central Division operates 136 food stores primarily in Indiana and Illinois.

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.-based Mid-America Asset Management said that Kroger Limited Partnership 1 has signed a lease for 20,437 sq. ft. at Champaign Town Center in Champaign, Ill., to open a Ruler Foods discount grocery store in March 2013.

The Kroger Co. announced the promotion of Lynn Gust as president of the company's Fred Meyer Stores division. Gust, 59, has been senior VP operations since 2011.

Wal-Mart Stores and Kroger are said to be among the bidders for assets being sold by Hostess Brands Inc., according to Bloomberg.

The Kroger Co. said it will buy specialty pharmacy company Axium Pharmacy Holdings for undisclosed terms.

The Kroger Co. announced Marnette Perry has been named SVP, strategic initiatives and operations, and Michael Ellis has been named SVP, retail divisions.

With a focus on increasing square footage and building its presence in both new and existing markets, Kroger is poised for growth in 2013.