new leases us based, page-5

Valu King plans to nearly double in size in Eastlake
Published: Saturday, July 03, 2010

By Cassandra Shofar
[email protected]

Where grocery shopping is concerned, Eastlake residents soon will have double their value.

Centro Properties Group, which owns The Vineyards Shopping Center on the southwest corner of SOM Center Road and Vine Street, recently announced Valu King, located at 34700 Vine St., plans to expand and nearly double in size.

"Valu King will be expanding their 28,669-square-foot store, increasing their total store size to 44,212 square feet, with plans to open in August," according to Centro Properties Group.

The retail investment organization, which is the second largest owner of community and neighborhood shopping centers in the U.S., has been in touch with Mayor Ted Andrzejewski regarding expansion plans.

"I knew it was coming. In talking with them, the store has done very well here in Eastlake and they see a need where they can bring in more products to sell at the store ... to expand what they offer the residents of Eastlake," Andrzejewski said. "So I think that's a positive sign. The residents like Valu King and support its services."

With the closing of the city's Tops supermarket in December 2006, Eastlake residents were left with few options for grocery shopping in the city and the nearest location for fresh produce was Willoughby, the mayor had said.

In 2008, the city was able to establish a farmers market and flea market at the city-owned parking lot across from Classic Park. Later that year, Valu King opened its door at the old Tops site, helping to compensate for the loss of Tops, the mayor said.

"This filled the void of Tops leaving very well," he said. "I remember talking to Valu King people and telling them Eastlake is where you want to be with that store because that's the kind of store Eastlake people like. They like good value and good products ... not necessarily all the name brands. We're very please with Valu King and we want to continue to work with them."