Kroger Purchases Harris Teeter

Kroger purchased Harris Teeter in a $2.5 billion deal announced Tuesday in a joint statement.

There are no Harris Teeter or Kroger stores in Fredericksburg, but there is a relay center at 9341 Northeast Dr.

"The Fredericksburg Relay Center is what we use as a mid-way point between our Greensboro Distribution Center and our Northern stores," said Danna Jones, Harris Teeter spokesperson.  "It's where the company exchanges products and drivers," she said.  The site includes a 25,000 square-foot warehouse.

Jones was repeatedly vague when specifically asked about any changes the merger might bring to the Fredericksburg Relay Center. "We will maintain the Harris Teeter banner, our management teams, our new store growth plan, our distribution and manufacturing facilities in North Carolina as well as our headquarters in Matthews, N.C.," she said.

"There are no plans to close stores, and associates will continue to have employment opportunities with both companies," the press release said.

The merger will operate 2,631 supermarkets (29 in Virginia) and employ over 368,300 employees across 34 states and D.C.

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