SmartCo to open stores in Denver

Denver A new warehouse/supermarket hybrid is entering the Denver market, according to a Wednesday report by the Denver Post.

SmartCo just opened a part warehouse grocery and part convetional supermarket on South Parker Road in Arapahoe County on Tuesday, the first of five Denver-area stores, said the chain.

Parent company Smart & Final of City of Commerce, Calif., acquired five metro-Denver sites formerly occupied by Albertsons. In addition to the newly opened store at 1442 S. Parker Road, outlets in Denver, Centennial, Littleton and Longmont will launch in July and August.

Smart & Final has built a reputation in California and other Western states primarily as a warehouse discounter that caters to food-service customers who buy in bulk. SmartCo stores will add a conventional supermarket element with regular-size items, fresh produce, bakeries, meat departments and delis.

"We're not just a warehouse concept," said Scott Drew, VP and general manager of SmartCo. "We have a complete line of regular grocery items. (That will) set us apart from the competition."

Drew said the chain is able to fit bulk and nonbulk items into conventional-size stores by offering slightly fewer brands or styles than typical supermarkets.