United Family of stores has announced a further expansion and commitment to the Texas market with plans to invest $100 million into the Lubbock scene, complete with remodeled locations and a new store.
“The Lubbock community has been extremely loyal to United since we moved our offices here in 1956,” stated Robert Taylor, United President, in a press conference as reported by the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. “People have invested in United and we’ve invested in Lubbock. It’s been a priority of our team.”
The company divulged its multi-million dollar plans in a news conference at its distribution center in the area. United stated that stores undergoing a planned remodel should be completed in the fall, with renovations installed slowly so as not to disrupt customers.
United currently has nine stores in Lubbock, with seven of those stores slated for the aforementioned remodeled; some of which will get a Starbucks café. Stores to receive the remodel will begin construction immediately.
The company stated that in addition to these plans, United will further expand its footprint to develop another store at an entirely new location in Hub City, as well.
“We’ll break ground on that one later this year, which will give us another retail option in Lubbock,” Taylor said. “With the new store at Fourth Street we will also have retail space available for development, which will bring new retail business to that area.”
In conjunction with these announcements and the planned investment, United was praised by the Mayor of Lubbock, Dan Pope, for its support of the community.
United also gave an update on the expansion to its distribution center, which is already underway. The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal projected the expansion’s value at $33.7 million.
“We are adding 200,000 square-feet to this facility," stated Chris St. Clair, United Executive Vice President of Logistics and Information. "It’s a 500,000 square-foot facility today. We’re adding to the north, to the south and in between — everywhere you go we have a project going on. The new building addition is important to United because it has allowed us to expand our store count and our impact to our region.”
United stated that the combination of the distribution’s expansion, and both the new store and the one already under construction, the company expects hundreds of new jobs to be created for the area.
Albertsons acquired the United Family of supermarkets in 2013, for around $385 million, as reported by the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Under Albertsons as a parent company, United has acquired 12 of the Albertsons stores and transitioned them to a Market Street business model.
The United Family chain includes the banners of United Supermarkets, Amigos, Albertsons Market, Market Street, and United Express.
As the Texas retail market continues to ramp up with investments and expansions, stay with DeliMarket News for the latest.
