South Charleston, January 22, 2026
Kroger is set to transform the retail scene in South Charleston, WV, with the upcoming opening of a $40 million Kroger Marketplace. This new store will replace two existing locations, promising an enhanced shopping experience and job opportunities. However, closures of older stores may impact local tax revenues and smaller businesses. The development is expected to create a one-stop shopping destination and stimulate economic growth in the region.
South Charleston, WV – A significant shift in the retail landscape is set to occur in the Kanawha Valley this summer, as Kroger prepares to open its new Kroger Marketplace in the Park Place development in South Charleston. This substantial investment and expansion will also lead to the closure of two established Kroger locations: the Dunbar Village Plaza store in Dunbar and the Riverwalk Plaza store in South Charleston. The move underscores broader trends in retail consolidation and the drive for larger, more comprehensive shopping experiences, which present both new opportunities and challenges for local communities and businesses.
The construction of the new Kroger Marketplace represents a considerable private investment in the region, aimed at enhancing consumer choice and modernizing retail infrastructure. Such projects highlight entrepreneurial foresight in identifying evolving market demands and the willingness to commit capital for long-term economic growth. While the introduction of a larger, more feature-rich store promises benefits for shoppers and the local job market, it also prompts a re-evaluation of the role of smaller, community-centric businesses and the fiscal health of neighboring municipalities like Dunbar.
A New Era of Retail in South Charleston
The Kroger Marketplace at the Park Place development in South Charleston is slated to open in early June of this year. This new facility, which saw its groundbreaking in July 2025, is a substantial undertaking, representing a $40 million investment by Kroger. Spanning 122,000 square feet, it is designed to be the largest Kroger store in West Virginia.
The new Marketplace concept goes beyond traditional grocery offerings, incorporating a full-service grocery, pharmacy, home goods, clothes, and toys. This expanded range of products and services reflects a broader retail strategy to create a one-stop shopping destination, potentially drawing customers from a wider geographical area. The development is envisioned as a regional power center, expected to attract additional businesses and foster a higher quality of life by providing more options for residents.
Impact on Existing Stores and Workforce
With the opening of the new Kroger Marketplace, the existing Kroger stores at Riverwalk Plaza in South Charleston and in Dunbar Village Plaza will cease operations. The Riverwalk Plaza store is located directly across from the new Park Place development, indicating a strategic consolidation rather than a complete withdrawal from the area.
A positive aspect of this transition for the Kanawha County economy is Kroger’s commitment to its workforce. All employees from the closing Dunbar and Riverwalk stores will be offered employment opportunities at the new Kroger Marketplace. This proactive approach to employee retention helps mitigate potential job displacement often associated with such retail restructuring, ensuring continuity for many local families. The new Marketplace is expected to employ nearly 300 associates, reinforcing Kroger’s role as a significant employer in the area.
Challenges for Local Municipalities and Charleston Small Business
While the new Kroger Marketplace brings modern retail amenities and jobs, the closure of older stores presents unique challenges, particularly for smaller communities. Dunbar Mayor Scott Elliott expressed concern over the closure of the Kroger in Dunbar Village Plaza, noting the significant impact on the city’s revenue. He predicted a loss of approximately $160,000 in annual tax revenue, a substantial hit for the city’s budget.
This situation highlights the delicate balance between large-scale corporate investments and the fiscal stability of local governments that rely on the tax contributions of established businesses. It underscores the ongoing need for communities to foster a diverse economic base, supporting West Virginia entrepreneurs and a resilient ecosystem of Charleston business to withstand shifts in larger retail operations.
Looking Ahead: Mountain State Economic Growth
The Park Place development, anchored by the Kroger Marketplace, is a testament to the potential for private investment to drive Mountain State economic growth and urban revitalization. Projects of this scale often involve extensive planning and collaboration between private developers and local government, showcasing how thoughtful development can transform former industrial sites into vibrant commercial centers. The vision for Park Place extends beyond Kroger, with plans already in motion for additional establishments such as a Mission BBQ and a Skechers outlet store, further diversifying the retail and dining options in South Charleston.
The evolution of retail in South Charleston serves as a case study in navigating economic change. It demonstrates that while progress often brings necessary adjustments, opportunities for growth, innovation, and job creation are abundant when entrepreneurial spirit is combined with strategic investment. The community’s ongoing engagement will be key to ensuring these developments contribute broadly to the prosperity of all residents and local businesses.
Conclusion
The impending opening of the Kroger Marketplace in South Charleston marks a significant moment for the region’s economy, promising an enhanced shopping experience and new job opportunities. While acknowledging the challenges faced by communities like Dunbar due to store closures, the overall narrative points towards a dynamic retail sector adapting to consumer preferences and driving local economic development through substantial private investment. As the landscape continues to evolve, the resilience of local businesses and the strategic vision of community leaders will be paramount in ensuring sustained prosperity across the Kanawha Valley.
Readers are encouraged to continue supporting our local businesses, exploring the new offerings in the region, and engaging with ongoing discussions about Charleston’s economic future. Your continued patronage and civic involvement are vital for a thriving community.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the new Kroger Marketplace in South Charleston, WV, expected to open?
- The new Kroger Marketplace at the Park Place development in South Charleston, WV, is expected to open in early June of this year.
- Which existing Kroger stores in West Virginia will close when the new Marketplace opens?
- The Kroger stores in Dunbar Village Plaza in Dunbar, WV, and Riverwalk Plaza in South Charleston, WV, are scheduled to close when the new Kroger Marketplace opens.
- What is the size and investment value of the new Kroger Marketplace?
- The new Kroger Marketplace is 122,000 square feet and represents a $40 million investment. It will be the largest Kroger in West Virginia.
- Will employees from the closing stores be offered jobs at the new Kroger Marketplace?
- Yes, all employees from the closing Dunbar and Riverwalk stores will be offered employment opportunities at the new Kroger Marketplace.
- What impact will the store closures have on local tax revenue?
- Dunbar, WV, anticipates losing approximately $160,000 in annual tax revenue due to the closure of its Kroger store.
Key Features of the Kroger Retail Transition in West Virginia
| Feature | Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| New Store Opening | Kroger Marketplace at Park Place development | South Charleston, WV |
| Opening Timeline | Early June | State-level (West Virginia) |
| Investment Value | $40 million | State-level (West Virginia) |
| New Store Size | 122,000 square feet (Largest Kroger in WV) | State-level (West Virginia) |
| Closing Stores | Kroger at Dunbar Village Plaza and Kroger at Riverwalk Plaza | Dunbar, WV, and South Charleston, WV |
| Employee Reassignment | Employees from closing stores offered jobs at the new Marketplace | Local (Kanawha Valley) |
| Impact on Dunbar Tax Revenue | Estimated loss of $160,000 annually | Local (Dunbar, WV) |
| Expanded Offerings | Full-service grocery, pharmacy, home goods, clothes, toys | State-level (West Virginia) |
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