Ralphs Announces Grand Re-Opening of its Expanded Baldwin Hills Supermarket

LOS ANGELES, June 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its extensive and ongoing reinvestment in its supermarkets, Ralphs will unveil its latest remodeled and expanded store in Baldwin Hills on Friday, June 21. The $18-million renovations include a 21,000-square-foot expansion and major remodeling, and the store will feature a wide range of fresh, organic and natural meats, produce and seafood.

A brief ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 7:45 a.m. The remodeled store, at 5080 Rodeo Road, is open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight.

Ralphs worked closely with Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson's office, community organizations and its customers to determine which new and expanded offerings, services and products would best meet its shoppers' needs. Since 2010, Ralphs has invested about $65 million in its supermarkets in and around the Baldwin Hills community.

"Having quality grocery options in our community is important and I want to express my appreciation to Ralphs for this important commitment and investment in my Council District," Council President Wesson said. "Not only will this expanded market create more jobs, it will also encourage healthy living by providing a more fresh and organic food options.  Everyone will reap the benefits."

The remodeled Baldwin Hills Ralphs is approximately 60,000 square feet following an expansion of 21,000 square feet to allow for a larger selection of products for customers. Based on shopper requests and input, the remodeled and expanded store offers a full range of products and services, including an abundance of fresh and organic produce; natural food selections; a fully staffed meat department featuring the highest quality meats; a fresh seafood department; a bakery overflowing with aromas of freshly baked breads and desserts; a full-service delicatessen with items made daily for shoppers on the go; and a floral department blooming with fresh flowers and plants.

The remodeled Baldwin Hills store employs approximately 150 full- and part-time associates, including more than 40 newly hired associates from the surrounding community. It will be managed by longtime Ralphs team member Joe Martinez, who began his Ralphs career in 1990 as a part-time Courtesy Clerk while attending school. He was promoted to Store Manager in 1999.

"We are so excited to share our newly expanded store with the Baldwin Hills community,"  Martinez said. "We think customers will be pleased with our expanded store with a new bakery, deli, fresh meats, greater selection of fresh produce as well as the great prices we offer every day. We are pleased and proud to bring new jobs into this vibrant neighborhood."

The store will be served by a free shuttle that will run throughout the neighborhood on a regular schedule.

The remodeled Baldwin Hills Ralphs continues Ralphs' 140-year tradition of serving its shoppers and its community. The first Ralphs opened in Downtown Los Angeles at Sixth and Spring Streets in 1873. In 2007, Ralphs returned to Downtown when it opened the first new supermarket there in 50 years. Each year, Ralphs donates millions of dollars to Southern California charities and supports regional food banks.

Ralphs officials, store associates and local dignitaries will participate in the re-opening ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Dorsey High School drum corps will perform, and other special events include character appearances, product giveaways and samplings and raffle drawings through the weekend.

The celebration will include the presentation of $7,500 in grants from Ralphs to local community partners and schools, including Dorsey High School, Audubon Middle School and Baldwin Hills Elementary School.

Like Us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter

Ralphs invites shoppers to share their Baldwin Hills store shopping experience on Facebook. Visit the Ralphs Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ralphs. Customers can also follow Ralphs on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ralphs. Fans of the Ralphs Facebook page and followers of Ralphs Twitter account will receive information about weekly specials, sales events, charitable campaigns and more.

About Ralphs

Ralphs Grocery Company was founded in 1873 and currently operates 240 supermarkets from its headquarters in Los Angeles. Ralphs is a subsidiary of The Kroger Co., (NYSE:KR), one of the nation's largest food retailers, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more about Ralphs, please visit our web site at www.ralphs.com.

SOURCE Ralphs Grocery Company