Shopko completes conversion of Pamida stores

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Shopko has completed the conversion of 163 Pamida stores. The move makes Shopko one of the largest U.S. retailers to serve smaller and rural communities. The merger was first announced one year ago this month.

Shopko invested a total of $70 million into efforts to convert the Pamida stores to the Shopko Hometown format. Today Shopko currently operates 176 Shopko Hometown stores, a significant jump from just 10 at this time last year. The Shopko Hometown retail format offers a differentiated and financially successful merchandising strategy. Shopko Hometown combines pharmacy services with a broad and dynamic offering of strong national brands and high-value private label brands of apparel, toys, consumer electronics, seasonal items, and lawn and garden products – all in attractive, well laid out, easy-to-shop store formats that range from 15,000 to 35,000 square feet.

“2012 was a watershed year for Shopko as a result of the merger with Pamida which significantly increased our store count, employee base and overall revenue. Our team did an exceptional job of integrating the two companies into one and staying on an aggressive schedule for the store conversion efforts. All 163 stores were converted and opened on time,” said Mike Bettiga, Shopko Interim CEO and Chief Operating Officer. “As we move into 2013 and beyond, our focus is on solidifying the Shopko Hometown brand and opening more Hometown stores in new communities.”