Two of the nation's leading Midwest-based general merchandise retail chains, Shopko Stores and Pamida, announced they will merge to create one of the largest U.S. retailers focused on serving smaller and rural communities.
The combined entity will have nearly 350 locations in 22 states and plans for new store growth in the second half of 2012 and beyond. Financial details of the merger, which is expected to close in mid-February, were not disclosed.
With annual revenues of $2 billion, Green Bay, Wis.-based Shopko operates 149 stores in 13 states located throughout the Midwest, Mountain and Pacific Northwest regions. Omaha, Neb.-based Pamida operates 193 stores in 17 states, primarily in the Mountain, North Central and Midwest regions, and has revenues of approximately $1 billion.
Pamida and Shopko are highly complementary in terms of locations and communities served, as well as a shared focus on brand-name selection, personalized service, outstanding values every day, pharmacy services and strong community involvement. Customers will benefit from their combined resources, buying power and merchandising expertise, which will also set a solid foundation for future growth.
The combined company, which will be headquartered in Green Bay, will use the Shopko name and be led by Shopko President, Chairman and CEO W. Paul Jones. Pamida President and CEO John Harlow will serve on the leadership team and help direct the integration process.
There will be no change to Shopko's stores, and approximately $80 million will be invested over the next 12 months in the conversion of most of Pamida's locations to the Shopko Hometown store concept and brand.
"Merging Pamida and Shopko is a great move for our businesses and our customers given our complementary strengths, store networks and consumer-centric retail models," said Jones.
"The Shopko Hometown store format, featuring our unique merchandising strategy and improved store design, is an ideal fit for the smaller communities that Pamida serves with its exceptional service and community-minded approach. We intend to be the leader in this category by combining the best of Shopko and Pamida in our aggressive new store growth plans."
The Shopko Hometown retail format, developed over the past three years to augment Shopko's larger store model, offers a differentiated and financially successful merchandising strategy.
Shopko Hometown combines pharmacy services with a broad and dynamic offering of strong national brands and high-value private label brands of apparel, toys, consumer electronics, seasonal items, and lawn and garden products – all in attractive, well laid out, easy-to-shop store formats that range from 15,000 to 35,000 square feet.
Over the past two years, Shopko has purchased seven stores from Pamida and successfully transitioned them to the Shopko Hometown format. These locations have delivered an improved customer experience and have seen a significant increase in store traffic, sales and profitability, affirming the potential of the merger.
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