ShopKo Hometown store growth accelerating

March promises to be a busy month for Shopko.



The retailer will open 10 Shopko Hometown stores in late March, bringing its total number of stores opened this year so far to 12.



The company plans to continue to accelerate the expansion of its Hometown format with additional locations through 2017. Developed over the past five years to augment Shopko’s larger store model, the concept is focused on serving the needs of smaller rural communities. Stores average 15,000 sq. ft. to 35,000 sq. ft.



“The rural population is grossly underserved by retailers, so we’re eager to bring Shopko Hometown to more communities,” said Peter McMahon, CEO Shopko, which operates 372 stores in 25 states. “We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers in our current hometown communities who tell us they appreciate the improved shopping experience and access to a broader, differentiated selection of merchandise, including products and brands previously not available in their community.”



Shopko opened 53 new stores in 2015, and the chain projects continued growth over the next two years.



Here are the locations for the 10 Shopko Hometown stores opening in March:



• Springerville, Arizona

• Clarinda, Iowa

• Cresco, Iowa

• Vinton, Iowa

• Phillipsburg, Kansas

• Mayville, North Dakota

• Albion, Nebraska

• Comanche, Texas

• Cotulla, Texas

• Beaver, Utah