What Makes a Kroger Marketplace Different From a Regular Kroger

It's Supermarket Fever in Owensboro in 2026. It's obviously an unofficial designation, but with three major supermarkets coming to Owensboro this year, it felt appropriate.

Kroger Marketplace Owensboro

After first visiting a Publix Supermarket way back in 1979, not one but two are coming to Owensboro, and they're making amazing progress. But so, too, is the new Kroger Marketplace, which will open very near the Publix in Gateway Commons on Owensboro's east side.

And no, it's not "just another Kroger"; I recall a few comments to that effect when it was announced. There's a big difference, and I encountered it when I visited a Kroger Marketplace in Indianapolis in January. I didn't even realize it was a Kroger Marketplace until I walked inside and saw clothing racks, toy aisles, outdoor gear, home goods, and a lot more than groceries. In other words, lots of space devoted to what I don't consider groceries.

How Kroger Marketplace Differs From Kroger

When it comes to other differences between Kroger and Kroger Marketplace, we'll start with size. The two big Kroger stores in Owensboro cover 62,361 square feet (Parrish Avenue location) and 81,738 square feet (Wesleyan Park Plaza location). On the other hand, Kroger Marketplace stores typically cover between 100,000 and 145,000, or more, square feet.

As for food and drink options, look for Kroger Marketplace to feature Murray's Cheese Shop, as well as a sushi bar and a wine & spirits shop. A fuel center and drive-thru pharmacy will complete the picture.

Kroger Marketplace is expected to open in Owensboro in late 2026 and create more than 200 job opportunities.