Old Kmart becomes new Cub format

Supervalu’s Cub Foods division reimagined a former Kmart location in central Minnesota for a new format featuring a massive liquor store.



Cub Foods only operates 79 stores throughout Illinois and Minnesota, but customers at the retailer’s newest location were treated to something special. In addition to putting the formerly vacant Kmart space to good use, the new 60,000-sq.-ft. Cub store at 1920 Buerkle Road features an expanded fresh department and is open 24 hours a day. Although the store is quite large for a supermarket, it is actually slightly smaller than the typical Cub store according to the company.



“We’re excited to add the new White Bear Lake stores to the Cub family,” said Darren Caudill, Cub Foods VP, merchandising, sales and marketing. “Since our founding in Stillwater (Minn.) 47 years ago, Cub has been dedicated to providing local customers with the highest quality and freshest products, as well as great customer service. Our newest stores reflect the current trends and preferences of today’s consumers. We take pride in making shopping easy and affordable in all of the neighborhoods we serve throughout Minnesota, and we will bring our same commitment to the community and to the customers of our new White Bear Lake stores.”



Among the new products and services featured at the store are:



• An expanded produce department, featuring an increased assortment of organic items, and in-store fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. More organic products are available throughout the store.



• Fresh, made-in-store sushi.



• An expanded deli area that includes a broader selection of grab-and-go meal solutions, a fully prepared hot foods bar, and a wider variety of quality meats and cheeses.



• More oven-ready meats from the meat counter and artisan breads.



• An open air, fresh seafood presentation with more varieties.



• An expanded selection of seasonal offerings throughout the store.



• Expanded baby and pet departments.



One of the most distinctive elements of the new location is a 12,000-sq.-ft. wine and spirits store adjacent to the grocery store. It is the second large format wine and spirits store Cub has opened and it also features new design elements. For example, there is a tasting bar where customers can sample products and attend educational events. A signature element is “The Wall,” which is literally a wall with more than 1,000 beer varieties that allow customers to build their own 6-pack.