RICHMOND—
Ukrop's has now officially been sold.Giant-Carlisle has announced its buyout of Ukrop's. All 25 locations in Metro Richmond and Williamsburg will start operating as "MARTIN'S" later this spring. A press release from the company says the stores will be open on Sunday, and will sell wine and beer.
The Ukrop family will still have a stake in the stores. Ukrop's kitchen and bakery products will be sold at the locations.
Giant-Carlisle is a division of Royal Ahold, an Netherlands-based company. Giant-Carlisle operates nine MARTIN'S stores in Virginia along with numerous Giant stores.
The following is the complete press release from Giant-Carlisle:
Carlisle, PA Ahold today announced that the acquisition of Ukrop's Super Markets by its Giant-Carlisle division is complete. The 25 Virginia stores, located in Greater Richmond and Williamsburg, will begin operating under the name "MARTIN'S" later this spring.
"Since the sale was announced in December, we have been talking to customers and associates about what they would like to see change and what should remain the same," said Rick Herring, president, Giant-Carlisle division and operator of MARTIN'S. "Regardless of how we've received their comments sometimes in the form of songs and poems we have been listening to what the community was saying."
The Ukrop family will continue to supply Ukrop's kitchen and bakery products to stores. Later this spring, stores will open on Sundays and sell carry-out beer and wine, similar to the nine MARTIN'S the chain currently operates in Virginia. As those or other changes are made, MARTIN'S will proactively communicate with customers and associates.
"Though the name on the front of the store will change later this spring, customers can expect to find the same friendly store associates including pharmacists," said Herring. "Will associates be available to carry customers' bags to their car if they would like? You bet they will!"
"We are excited about the future," added Herring. "We intend to build lasting relationships and play an active role in contributing to the good health of Greater Richmond and Williamsburg."
MARTIN'S is operated by the Giant-Carlisle Division of Ahold USA, which is headquartered in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The Giant-Carlisle division is a supermarket leader with stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia under the names of GIANT and MARTIN'S. For more information, visit www.MartinsFoods.com.
