Kroger

kroger.com

Second Place: Whole Foods Market

Third Place: Fresh Market

In the year 3 A.U. (After Ukrop's), Kroger is showing no signs of slowing its aggressive expansion in the Richmond market. Since 2009, the Ohio-based grocer has spent more than $150 million on building and renovating area stores, including the 2012 opening of the East Coast's first Marketplace store, a larger Kroger that also stocks clothing and furniture. Three more Kroger Marketplaces are set to open in Henrico and Chesterfield counties in the next few years, and if Mayor Dwight Jones has his way, you soon could see a Kroger in Shockoe Bottom. Whole Foods in Short Pump is the go-to store for locals willing to shell out for quality organic and sustainable products. The national chain just announced plans to open a 40,000-square-foot store on West Broad Street near Virginia Commonwealth University. Fresh Market has two stores in the area and offers that farmers' market feel with a gourmet touch.