The new “Dillon’s Marketplace Store” is now open as of Wednesday morning. They opened the store at 7 a-m, and also held the ribbon cutting ceremony for the store at 9 a-m. There was a good crowd on hand for the ribbon cutting and comments from company officials and others.

It was attended by all the big shots from Dillons as you would expect, but the President and CEO of Kroger was also present. Dave Dillon was born and raised in Hutchinson. He talked about his pride in his team here locally, but also was excited because his roots are here in Hutchinson.

He talked with us about shopping at the old 30th Street store with his wife Dee. He says, “we both grew up shopping at the old store at Plum & 30th, so replacing it is a little sentimental.” But says Dillon, “I think over the years, this store is going to be so much better bringing higher quality product, a much wider range of product and even better pricing.” Dillon adds, “I’m proud of the team here, they have done a terrific job of getting it open and we love seeing all the customers here this morning.”

Dillon also talked about one of the advantages of Dillons being a part of Kroger. He says that allows them to bring ideas from other areas of the country and incorporate those ideas into these stores. He says, “it gives us a chance to bring the best of the things we see all over the country, sushi is a good example of that which you will find right her in the store.” But he adds, “ in addition to that, the ideas that are developed right here in Kansas, taking those ideas to other places has worked out really well.” He says “this store is better because it is part of a bigger organization, but at the same time has all its local roots in the place we call home, Hutchinson.”

In addition to the ribbon cutting, Dillons as part of the celebration gave 2-thousand dollars to a number of area high schools including Hutchinson, Nickerson, Buhler, Central Christian and Trinity. Dillons has a whole section of high school and college athletic items inside the new store.

They’re also a big supporter of the United Way of Reno County and presented the United Way with a check for 8-thousand dollars just to help get their annual campaign started.

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commece President, Jason Ball says the opening of the store is capping off a great week for the Chamber mentioning the latest developments with the Wiley Building downtown, and now adding the new Dillons Marketplace store.

The Dillons Marketplace Store will be open 24-hours open in Hutchinson.