Report: Kroger to spruce up Houston market

HOUSTON — It seems that Kroger is looking to upgrade some of its stores in the Houston area, according to published reports.

The grocer is planning on opening a Marketplace store — a larger-scale model — in Willis, Texas, and will do major overhauls on five stores and minor remodels on six stores, according to the Houston Chronicle. The report also noted that Kroger planned to close two underperforming stores in the area as well.

"We're continuing to invest in Houston, with a new Marketplace store and upgrades of existing stores," Gary Huddleston, consumer affairs director of Kroger's southwest division, was quoted as saying.

Kroger is based in Cincinnati and operates under nearly two dozen banners, including its namesake and King Soopers.