The much-anticipated grand opening of the new Gloucester Kroger supermarket at the Hayes Shopping Center was held last Wednesday, with customers queuing up early to receive a limited number of $5 gift cards, above. The store is roughly 38,000 square feet and renovations totaled around $2.7 million. While features like the in-store Starbucks remain from the location’s time as a Farm Fresh, new features like self-checkout and more organic and gluten-free items have been added. At right, Drug and General Merchandise Manager Stephanie Dawson, Assistant Store Manager Teddy Force, and Manager Walter Boyette, from left, are some of the approximately 101 full- and part-time employees that will have jobs as a result of the opening of the new Kroger location at Hayes. Additionally, 35 associates from the previous Farm Fresh were retained, many in leadership roles. Photos by Peter J. Teagle

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