Kroger abandons 6-year-old plan to construct bigger store in Peoria. Here's why

PEORIA — Evergreen Square shopping center will not be the place for a Kroger Marketplace.

The supermarket chain has abandoned long-held plans to construct a big-box store at Evergreen Square, located at 801 W. Lake Ave. in Central Peoria, a spokesman told the Journal Star.

First announced in 2015, Kroger Marketplace was to be built in the Evergreen Square area that once housed Kmart and Venture department stores, among other businesses. It was to replace an existing Kroger store on the other side of the complex.

But circumstances have changed since then, according to Kroger spokesman Eric Halvorson. He cited recent innovations in the grocery-store business.

"Advances in e-commerce, such as Kroger Pickup, and expansion of our digital footprint led to the reevaluation in strategy," stated, Halvorson, who is based in Indianapolis.

Previously on this story:Kroger puts bigger Evergreen Square store on hold

Besides standard groceries, Kroger Marketplaces also sell clothing, small appliances, toys, and bed and bath accessories. An expanded produce section, bulk groceries and made-to-order foods are hallmarks. So are open ceilings and polished-concrete floors.

Cincinnati-based Kroger operates about 180 Marketplace stores. The one at Evergreen Square was to be about 125,000 square feet.

When first announced, the Peoria store was projected to open in 2017. Protracted property negotiations scotched that plan, although in 2016, Halvorson said Kroger still was committed to the project.

Now, Kroger is attempting to sell the vacant former-Kmart site.

"Overall, though, we remain committed to Peoria," Halvorson stated.

Featuring Peoria history:Three of Peoria's old homes will be featured on HGTV's new show 'Cheap Old Houses'

Business news:Young professionals are key to growing Peoria. Here's how the city hopes to attract them

The existing Kroger supermarket at Evergreen Square remains open.

In 2018, Kroger closed supermarkets along Wisconsin Avenue on the East Bluff and along Harmon Highway in unincorporated Peoria County. That store was located just northwest of South Peoria.