Shopko

{{Infobox company

| name = Shopko Stores, Inc.

| logo = 220px

| image = 260px

| image_caption = Former Shopko Store

| image_size = 260px

| type = Private

| founder = James Ruben

| area_served = United States

| key_people =

| industry = Retail

| products = Clothing, footwear, bedding, furniture, jewelry, beauty products, electronics, market, housewares, contact lenses.

| revenue = {{increase}}US$ 3.3 billion (FY 2018){{cite news| title=America's Largest Private Companies| url=https://www.forbes.com/largest-private-companies/list/#tab:rank_header:position_search:shopko| first=Andrea| last=Murphy| date=November 14, 2023| magazine=Forbes| language=en| access-date=November 24, 2024}}

| num_employees = 18,000 (2018)

| owner =

| foundation = {{Start date and age|1962|4|5}} (as ShopKo)

| defunct = {{End date and age|2019|06|23}}{{cite news| title=Shopko's last day: Shoppers scour stores for final deals as bankrupt company shuts down| url=https://www.postcrescent.com/story/money/2019/06/23/shopko-bankruptcy-shopper-search-deals-companys-last-day/1352370001/| access-date=November 24, 2024| newspaper=Green Bay Press-Gazette| first1=Jeff| last1=Bollier| author2=Caitlin Shuda| author3=Sarah Razner| author4=Megan Stringer| author5=Lydia Slattery| date=June 23, 2019| language=en}}

| fate = Bankruptcy

| successor = Shopko Optical

| location = Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S.

| homepage = {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105195009/http://www.shopko.com |date=January 5, 2019 |title=Shopko.com}}

}}

Shopko Stores, Inc. (stylized as SHOPKO, formerly stylized as ShopKo) was a chain of department stores based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. All locations closed on June 23, 2019, with the exception of the Shopko Optical locations,{{cite web| title=Find a Shopko Optical Eye Care Center & Schedule an Exam|url=https://www.shopko.com/eye-care/| access-date=2021-01-14| website=Shopko| df=mdy-all}} which continue to operate.

The company was founded in 1962 by James Ruben as ShopKo Corporation (with upper-case "K"). It opened its first store in 1962 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

From 1991 to 2005, the company was publicly held, with stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SKO. In December 2005, the company was acquired by an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners and reverted to private ownership. Starting that year it opened a number of smaller stores named ShopKo Express. In June 2007, the company changed its name to Shopko Stores Inc. (with lower-case "k").

In 1999, Shopko purchased Pamida, a regional discount chain that operated mainly in smaller communities of 3,000 to 8,000 people. Shopko operated Pamida as a separate division until 2007, when Pamida was separated from Shopko and reestablished as a separate company. In 2012, Shopko and Pamida merged into one company. Shortly after, most Pamida stores were rebranded as Shopko Hometown.

Shopko filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on January 16, 2019.{{cite news| url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2019/02/07/shopko-bankruptcy-filing-chain-close-more-than-250-stores/2799504002/| title=Shopko to close more than 250 stores amid bankruptcy filing: See the full list| newspaper=Green Bay Press-Gazette| first=Jeff| last=Bollier| date=February 7, 2019| access-date=2024-11-24| df=mdy-all}} On March 18, 2019, Shopko announced it would close all of its stores by summer 2019. All stores ceased operations on June 23, 2019.

History

= 1960s =

In March 1961, Chicago pharmacist James Ruben and other investors announced the formation of a corporation to open a $1 million ({{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=1000000|start_year=1961|r=-3|fmt=eq}}) department store in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to be called "Shopco".

The store was opened in April 1962 at 216 S. Military Avenue; by that time, the spelling of the name had been changed to "ShopKo", and the company had been registered as "ShopKo Corporation"{{cite news| url=https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/money/2019/01/16/shopko-timeline-notable-events-1961-2019/2540803002/| title=Shopko timeline of notable events, from 1961-2019| date=January 16, 2019| newspaper=Green Bay Press Gazette| access-date=2019-05-15}}{{cite web| title=Property Record 3340 Delahaut St| url=http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Content.aspx?dsNav=N:4294963828-4294963814&dsRecordDetails=R:HI224927| website=Wisconsin Historical Society| date=January 2012 | access-date=January 17, 2017}}{{cite web| url=http://www.villageofallouez.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Draft-Allouez-Survey-Report-Part-1-of-3.pdf| title=Village of Allouez, Wisconsin Architectural and Historical Intensive Survey Report| last=Lehrke| first=Jennifer L.| date=2012–2013| page=57| access-date=November 24, 2024}}{{cite web| title=ShopKo Stores Inc. History| url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/shopko-stores-inc-history/| website=FundingUniverse| access-date=January 17, 2017}} ShopKo became one of the first chains to offer such services as a pharmacy and eye care center within the store.{{cite news| url=http://www.apparelsearch.com/names/s/shopko/shopko_profile_apparel_search.htm| title=Shopko: company profile| website=Apparel Search| access-date=March 21, 2017}}

In 1966, a second store "ShopKo East" was opened on Main Street, in Green Bay's east side, followed by several other locations in the state in the following years.

In September 1969, the first ShopKo store in Michigan opened, in Marquette.

= 1970s =

In June 1970, Ruben announced plans for corporate headquarters on Ashland Avenue in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. In that same month, ShopKo Corp. was renamed "ShopKo Stores, Inc."

In January 1971, the firm announced plans to merge with SuperValu of Minneapolis.{{cite book| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vafj2xq-Q5UC&q=shopko+ipo+price&pg=PA90| title=Private Equity: Recent Growth in Leveraged Buyouts Exposed Risks That Warrant Continued Attention| last=Williams| first=Orice M.| date=May 1, 2009| publisher=DIANE Publishing| isbn=978-1-4379-1127-5}}

Also in 1971, the new Ashwaubenon headquarters opened.{{cite news| url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/192255247/| title=Discounter Grew into National Chain| newspaper=Green Bay Press-Gazette| first=Kelley| last=Bruss| date=April 9, 2005| page=5| via=Newspapers.com| access-date=November 24, 2024| url-access=subscription}} The merger with SuperValu was completed in April 1971. In August 1971, ShopKo announced plans to open pharmacies in its stores.{{cite web| url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences-and-law/economics-business-and-labor/businesses-and-occupations/shopko-stores-inc| title=ShopKo Stores Inc facts, information, pictures| website=Encyclopedia.com| access-date=March 21, 2017}}

In September 1972, Ruben left the company to become president of SuperValu, and William Tyrrell succeeded him.

In 1977, ShopKo topped $100 million in sales. Starting in 1978, ShopKo included optical centers in some stores.{{cite web|url=https://www.questia.com/magazine/1P3-25818098/shopko-putting-in-pharmacies-through-its-new-acquisitions| title=ShopKo Putting in Pharmacies through Its New Acquisitions| last=Cassell| first=Dana K| magazine=Drug Topics| volume=142| issue=2| date=January 19, 1998| access-date=November 24, 2024| archive-date=March 22, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322014405/https://www.questia.com/magazine/1P3-25818098/shopko-putting-in-pharmacies-through-its-new-acquisitions| url-status=dead}}

= 1980s =

In 1983–1985, ShopKo opened a few new locations in a few converted former Copps Department Stores, including Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. This was in response to Copps refocusing their efforts on their supermarket business and to make it less of a prime target for shoplifting.

In 1988, a new corporate headquarters opened in Ashwaubenon by the Bay Park Square Mall.The company hit $1 billion ({{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=1000000000|start_year=1988|r=-6|fmt=eq}}) in sales on the strength of 87 stores in 1988.

In February 1989, ShopKo and SuperValu introduce Twin Valu, a hypermarket concept, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, combining the general merchandise of ShopKo with the grocery selection of Cub Foods.{{cite news| url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3092/is_n6_v28/ai_7478529/| archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711074345/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3092/is_n6_v28/ai_7478529/| url-status=dead| archive-date=July 11, 2012| title=ShopKo's Twin Valu hypermarket debuts| first=Peter| last=Hisey| magazine=Discount Store News| date=March 20, 1989| access-date=November 24, 2024}}

= 1990s =

[[Image:Shopko.PNG|200px|thumb|right|

ShopKo logo used from December 1991 to May 2007

]]

In 1990, ShopKo opened its 100th store, including its first venture in California.

In mid-1991, SuperValu announced that ShopKo would become a publicly traded company.{{cite news| url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1991/06/28/Super-Valu-Stores-reports-higher-earnings-announces-ShopKo-IPO/2271678081600/| title=Super Valu Stores reports higher earnings, announces ShopKo IPO| work=UPI| access-date=March 21, 2017}} The stock debuted at $15 (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US|value=15|start_year=1990}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) a share. Dale Kramer also took over the reins of the company in 1991.{{cite web| url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=643426&privcapId=316791| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406181235/http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=643426&privcapId=316791| url-status=dead| archive-date=April 6, 2017| title=Dale P. Kramer: Executive Profile & Biography - Bloomberg| website=Bloomberg.com| access-date=March 21, 2017}}

In late 1991, ShopKo introduced a "Vision 2000" prototype model, which opened in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Duluth, Minnesota, Dixon, Illinois, Loveland, Colorado, Longmont, Colorado, and Lacey, Washington, and relocated stores in Marshall, Minnesota, and Mitchell, South Dakota.{{cite news| url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3092/is_n23_v30/ai_11666267/?tag=content;col1| archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710232605/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3092/is_n23_v30/ai_11666267/?tag=content;col1| url-status=dead| archive-date=July 10, 2012| work=Discount Store News| title=ShopKo goes for "soft" sell with Vision 2000 prototype - Vision 2000, marketing policy - Two Super Regionals Revamp| year=1991}} The construction of the Sheboygan store was affected by the collapse of an exterior wall that killed a stonemason, and the store opened with a memorial stone and flagpole overlooking the valley below dedicated in his honor.{{cite news| url=https://apnews.com/article/2cc61b5d5dd1d28a3dbe703f0c41a8a4|title=Wall Collapses at Store Under Construction, Killing One| date=April 9, 1993| website=Associated Press| access-date=March 15, 2023}}

In 1996, ShopKo announced plans to merge with Phar-Mor, an Ohio-based chain, but those plans were later called off.{{cite news| url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB842272243628962500| title=Phar-Mor, ShopKo to Merge In a Complex Transaction| last=Murray| first=Matt| date=September 10, 1996|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal| access-date=March 21, 2017| issn=0099-9660| url-access=subscription}}

Also in 1997, Phar-Mor split from ShopKo,{{cite news| url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB859986724598185500| title=ShopKo, Phar-Mor Abandon Merger Talks After 7 Months| last1=Murray| first1=Matt| date=April 3, 1997| newspaper=The Wall Street Journal| access-date=March 21, 2017| last2=Coleman| first2=Calmetta Y.| issn=0099-9660| url-access=subscription}} and ShopKo bought all of SuperValu's stock in the company.{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/26/business/supervalu-to-end-its-investment-in-shopko-stores.html| title=Supervalu To End Its Investment In Shopko Stores| agency=Bloomberg News| date=April 26, 1997| newspaper=The New York Times| access-date=March 20, 2017| issn=0362-4331}} ShopKo was among the first retailers in the nation to halt all tobacco sales permanently in the same year.{{cite news| url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-nov-05-fi-50351-story.html| title=ShopKo Banishing Tobacco Products| last=Levin| first=Myron| date=November 5, 1997| newspaper=Los Angeles Times| access-date=March 21, 2017| issn=0458-3035}}

In 1998 the company acquired Venture Stores in Kentucky, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois and Kansas.{{cite press release| url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shopko-to-open-13-new-stores-76470192.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825002234/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shopko-to-open-13-new-stores-76470192.html| url-status=dead| archive-date=August 25, 2015| title=ShopKo to Open 13 New Stores| publisher=ShopKo Stores| via=PR Newswire| access-date=March 21, 2017}}

In 1999, William Podany became President of ShopKo.{{cite news| url=https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/article-1080754/| title=ShopKo Stores Promotes Podany to Chairman, President, CEO| magazine=Women's Wear Daily| first=Melanie| last=Kletter| date=January 25, 1999| access-date=November 24, 2024| url-access=subscription}} He led the acquisition of 147 Pamida stores later that year.{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/12/business/company-news-shopko-stores-to-buy-pamida-a-rural-merchandiser.html| title=COMPANY NEWS; Shopko Stores To Buy Pamida, A Rural Merchandiser| last=Jones| first=Dow| date=May 12, 1999| newspaper=The New York Times| page=c4| access-date=March 21, 2017| issn=0362-4331| url-access=subscription}} ShopKo also launched spin-off pharmaceutical company ProVantage on to the stock market.{{cite web| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/02/05/business/provantage-in-offering.html| title=Provantage in Offering| newspaper=The New York Times| agency=Bloomberg News| access-date=November 24, 2024| url-access=subscription}}

File:Meridian Shopko.jpg, in April 2006 (closed in February 2017). This building now houses an Albertsons Market Street supermarket.]]

Late in 1999, ShopKo opened its first test prototype store in Meridian, Idaho, named "Beyond 2000," referring to ShopKo's Beyond 2000 merchandising strategy, the successor to the Vision 2000 strategy of the early 1990s.{{cite news| url=https://boisedev.com/news/2016/11/13/shopko-to-shut-down-meridian-store| title=Shopko to shut down Meridian store| website=BoiseDev.com| date=November 14, 2016| first=Don| last=Day| access-date=March 21, 2017}}

= 2000s =

In March 2000, shares of ShopKo hit a record $3.57, (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US|value=3.57|start_year=2000}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) up 70% from the year before. Later that year, the firm announced that it would sell ProVantage to Merck & Co. for about $222 million.In May 2000, ShopKo agreed to buy P.M. Place Stores, a 49-location chain, for $22 million ({{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=22000000|start_year=2000|r=-4|fmt=eq}}), with plans to convert those locations to Pamidas.{{cite news| title=ShopKo Plans to Sell ProVantage to Merck| magazine=Women's Wear Daily| volume=179| issue=88 |date=May 2000| page=19| first=Arnold J.| last=Karr| url=https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/article-1193409/| url-access=subscription}}{{cite news |title=ShopKo to buy P.M. Place Stores for $22M |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2000/05/29/daily6.html |newspaper=Milwaukee Business Journal |date=May 31, 2000 |access-date=December 28, 2019}}

Early in 2001, ShopKo announced the closings of 23 stores and a distribution center, cutting 2,500 jobs and bowing out of Missouri, Indiana, Kansas, and Kentucky.{{cite news| url=http://qctimes.com/shopko-to-close-stores/article_f590c605-70c8-5641-8a8d-ff5ff7d225a7.html| title=ShopKo to close 23 stores| last=Geyer| first=Thomas| newspaper=Quad-City Times| access-date=March 20, 2017}}

In April 2002 the company's CEO, William Podany, resigned. Jeffrey Girard became his interim replacement,{{cite web| url=http://www.homeandtextilestoday.com/article/455118-podany-exits-shopko-girard-takes-the-reins-as-interim-ceo| title=Podany exits ShopKo; Girard takes the reins as interim ceo| website=Home Textiles Today| date=April 9, 2002| access-date=March 20, 2017}} until Sam Duncan took over in October.{{cite web|url=https://progressivegrocer.com/shopko-stores-names-sam-k-duncan-ceo-and-president| title=ShopKo Stores, Inc. Names Sam K. Duncan CEO and President| website=Progressive Grocer| date=October 29, 2002| access-date=November 24, 2024}}{{cite news| url=http://www.vmsd.com/content/shopko-names-new-president-ceo| title=ShopKo Names New President-CEO| work=Visual Merchandising and Store Design| access-date=March 20, 2017}}

In 2005, ShopKo opened the first few "ShopKo Express" locations, which were smaller, and aimed at competition with Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy.{{cite web| url=http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.com/drug-topics/content/express-rx-next-stop-shopko-stores| title=Express Rx is next stop for ShopKo Stores| last=Levy| first=Sandra| date=February 7, 2005| website=Drug Topics| access-date=March 20, 2017}} Around that time, the chain exited the state of Colorado, and closed its Reno, Nevada locations.{{cite news| url=https://www.9news.com/article/money/business/shopko-closing-colorado-stores/73-344718582| title=ShopKo Closes Colorado stores| date=July 19, 2005| first=Gregg| last=Moss| website=KUSA News| access-date=November 24, 2024}} JCPenney acquired some of the Colorado locations.

Late in 2005, ShopKo was acquired by Sun Capital Partners.

In May 2006, Michael MacDonald took over as CEO.{{cite web| url=http://www.homeandtextilestoday.com/article/431325-shopko-appoints-michael-macdonald-chairman-and-ceo| title=ShopKo appoints Michael MacDonald chairman and ceo| website=Home Textiles Today| date=May 24, 2006| access-date=March 20, 2017}}

In 2007, Pamida spun off from ShopKo.{{cite web| url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/905895/000119312504115589/dex99c4.htm| title=Materials presented by UBS Securities LLC on March 18, 2004| website=Securities and Exchange Commission| access-date=March 20, 2017}}

Also in 2007, ShopKo rebranded, dropping the capital camel case "K" in its name and introducing a new logo.,{{cite news| url=http://journalstar.com/business/lincoln-shopko-to-be-among-first-to-get-new-look/article_c4defc89-8eb9-5a17-b86d-f3c94b65ee21.html| title=Lincoln ShopKo to be among first to get new look| last=Olberding| first=Matt| newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star| date=June 13, 2007| access-date=November 24, 2024| url-access=subscription}} but Shopko Express stores retained the older style until fall 2008.{{citation needed|date=May 2019}}

In 2008, Shopko Express expanded into urban markets with the opening of a Green Bay, Wisconsin location, but this store was shuttered less than a year after it was opened.{{cite news| url=http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20091027/GPG03/910270527/1247/Story--photos--Downtown-Green-Bay-Shopko-Express-to-close| archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731180728/http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20091027/GPG03/910270527/1247/Story--photos--Downtown-Green-Bay-Shopko-Express-to-close| url-status=usurped| archive-date=July 31, 2012| title=Story, photos: Downtown location, recession hurt Shopko Express| first1=Nathan| last1=Phelps| first2=Richard| last2=Ryman| newspaper=Green Bay Press-Gazette| access-date=February 7, 2014}}

During the late 2000s, ShopKo started to anchor more shopping centers, such as the ones in Suamico, Wisconsin and North Branch, Minnesota.{{cite press release| url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shopko-announces-plans-for-two-new-hometown-stores-235627641.html#:~:text=GREEN%20BAY%2C%20Wis.%2C%20Dec.%2012%2C%202013%20%2FPRNewswire%2F%20--,Nebraska%20are%20expected%20to%20open%20in%20spring%202014.| title=Shopko Announces Plans for Two New Stores| publisher=Shopko Stores| via=PR Newswire| date=December 12, 2013| access-date=November 24, 2024}}

In April 2009, Michael MacDonald resigned as CEO, to become CEO of DSW, Inc., and was replaced by W. Paul Jones.{{cite web| url=http://archive.jsonline.com/business/41865912.html| title=Shopko CEO MacDonald resigns| newspaper=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel| date=March 25, 2009| access-date=March 20, 2017}}

In late 2009, Shopko started online shopping service.{{cite news| url=https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/2011/03/15/shopko-relaunches-its-e-retail-site/|title=Shopko relaunches its e-retail site| date=March 15, 2011| work=Digital Commerce 360| access-date=March 20, 2017}}

= 2010s =

In May 2010, Shopko outsourced its IT services to HCL Technologies, based in Chennai, India.{{cite news| url=http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/business/shopko-to-outsource-information-technology-operation| title=Shopko to outsource IT operation| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100508183843/http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/business/shopko-to-outsource-information-technology-operation| archive-date=May 8, 2010| website=Fox 11 News}}

In the summer of 2010, Shopko opened its first two "Shopko Hometown" stores, which were converted from Pamida locations.

In 2011, Shopko placed even more emphasis on its Hometown subsidiary, opening nine new locations and closing regular stores to focus on the Hometown stores.{{cite news| url=http://www.sj-r.com/business/x1804871665/Conversion-of-Wabash-ShopKo-to-Farm-and-Home-has-begun| first=Tim| last=Landis| title=Conversion of Wabash ShopKo to Farm and Home has begun| newspaper=The State Journal-Register| location=Springfield, Ill| date=September 18, 2011| access-date=November 24, 2024}}

In 2012, a decade after it spun off from Shopko, Pamida merged with Shopko; all Pamida stores were rebranded as Shopko Hometown stores.{{cite press release| title=Shopko Stores and Pamida to Merge to Create one of the Nation's Largest General Merchandise Retailers Focused on Smaller Communities| url=http://www.shopko.com/docs/company/news_media/Shopko-Pamida_Merger_Press_Release_FINAL.pdf| date=January 4, 2012| publisher=Shopko Stores and Pamida| page=2| url-status=usurped| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120131043008/http://www.shopko.com/docs/company/news_media/Shopko-Pamida_Merger_Press_Release_FINAL.pdf| archive-date=January 31, 2012}} The total cost for the remodel was estimated at $80 million.{{cite news|url=http://www.vault.com/company-profiles/retail/shopko-stores-operating-co,-llc/company-overview.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018214209/http://www.vault.com/company-profiles/retail/shopko-stores-operating-co,-llc/company-overview.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 18, 2015| title=SHOPKO STORES OPERATING CO., LLC: Company Profile| website=Vault| access-date=March 20, 2017}}

Later in 2012, W. Paul Jones resigned from the company's top post and Mike Bettiga took over as interim CEO.{{cite news| title=Shopko CEO Jones leaves firm; interim chief named| newspaper=Milwaukee Business Journal| date=October 12, 2012| url=http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2012/10/10/shopko-ceo-jones-leaves-firm-interim.html| access-date=April 25, 2013| url-access=subscription}}

In 2013, Peter McMahon was named Shopko's new CEO.{{cite press release| url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/peter-mcmahon-named-shopkos-new-ceo-233335771.html| title=Peter McMahon Named Shopko's New CEO| publisher=Shopko Stores| via=PR Newswire| date=November 25, 2013| access-date=November 25, 2013}}

In 2015, due to bankruptcy, Shopko acquired 20 ALCO Stores locations with the plan of converting them to Hometown locations. Shopko also changed its slogan to "The Stuff that Counts".{{cite news| title=Shopko's new brand: 'The Stuff that Counts'| url=http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/money/2015/06/25/shopko-new-brand-the-stuff-that-counts/29273375/| newspaper=Green Bay Press-Gazette| first=Jeff| last=Bollier| date=June 25, 2015| access-date=November 24, 2024}}

Late in 2016, Shopko closed four stores due to poor sales{{cite news| last=Yowell| first=Paige| date=November 17, 2016| title=Two metro-area Shopkos to close| newspaper=Omaha World-Herald| url=http://www.omaha.com/money/two-metro-area-shopkos-to-close/article_0edeaab1-8c7f-5d6d-adee-7e9f7a201549.html|access-date=March 20, 2017| url-access=subscription}}{{cite news| url=http://1035kissfmboise.com/shopko-closing-a-treasure-valley-location/| title=Shopko Closing a Treasure Valley Location| website=103.5 KISS-FM News| date=November 16, 2016| access-date=March 20, 2017}}{{cite news| last=Crook| first=Jordan| date=November 7, 2016| title=Shopko announces plans to close Hoopeston store| newspaper=Hoopeston Chronicle|url=http://www.newsbug.info/hoopeston_chronicle/shopko-announces-plans-to-close-hoopeston-store/article_edafd072-a52d-11e6-88e8-f76fb84fac9a.html |access-date=March 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714111335/http://www.newsbug.info/hoopeston_chronicle/shopko-announces-plans-to-close-hoopeston-store/article_edafd072-a52d-11e6-88e8-f76fb84fac9a.html |archive-date=July 14, 2018}} but also opened one in Ely, Nevada.{{cite news| url=http://www.elynews.com/2016/11/24/shopko-celebrates-grand-opening/| title=Shopko celebrates grand opening| last=Roberts-McMurray| first=Kaylynn|date=November 24, 2016| newspaper=The Ely Times| access-date=November 25, 2016}}

In November 2016 Shopko launched its first credit card.{{cite press release| url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161114005238/en/Shopko%C2%AE-Launches-Private-Label-Credit-Card-Program| title=Shopko Launches First Private Label Credit Card Program In Partnership with First Bankcard| publisher=Shopko Stores| via=Business Wire| date=November 14, 2016| access-date=March 20, 2017}}

In late 2016 and early 2017 the firm also remodeled its larger stores to include some groceries, with limited frozen and perishable goods (mainly frozen pizza and dairy products).{{cite news| url=http://www.postcrescent.com/story/money/companies/buzz/2017/02/06/buzz-shopko-adds-groceries/97548464/|title=The Buzz: Shopko adds groceries| first=Maureen| last=Wallenfang| newspaper=The Post-Crescent| location=Appleton, Wis| access-date=November 24, 2024}}

= Chapter 11 and liquidation =

On December 4, 2018 Shopko confirmed that it was closing 39 stores.{{cite web| title=Shopko closing 39 stores| url=https://www.retaildive.com/news/debtwire-shopko-explores-restructuring/543527/| website=RetailDive| last1=Howland| first1=Daphne| date=December 4, 2018|access-date=January 17, 2019}} The following day, Bloomberg reported that Sun Capital had failed to find a buyer for Shopko and that the capital partners found a Chapter 11 situation increasingly likely.{{cite news| last1=Doherty| first1=Katherine| title=Sun Capital's Shopko Stores Prepares for Possible Bankruptcy| url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-12-05/sun-capital-s-shopko-said-to-prepare-for-potential-bankruptcy| website=Bloomberg| date=December 4, 2018| access-date=January 17, 2019}}

Shopko began closing its pharmacies in December 2018 and selling its patient records to local competitors including Walgreens, CVS, Hy-Vee and Kroger. On January 8, 2019, McKesson Corporation filed a suit against Shopko, seeking $67 million ({{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=67000000|start_year=2019|r=-4|fmt=eq}}) in delinquent payments.{{cite web| last1=Schmidt| first1=Brittany| title=Pharmaceutical company seeks $67 million from Shopko| url=https://www.wbay.com/content/news/Pharmaceutical-company-seeks-67-million-from-Shopko-504060991.html| website=WBAY| date=January 8, 2019|access-date=January 17, 2019}} Along with the announcement, it was reported that Shopko could file for bankruptcy as early as January 15. On January 16, 2019, Shopko filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Nebraska court, citing tough market competition and assets of less than $1 billion compared to liabilities of up to $10 billion ({{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=10000000000|start_year=2019|r=-7|fmt=eq}}).{{cite web| url=https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/money/2019/01/16/shopko-files-bankruptcy-close-38-more-stores/2551819002/|title=Shopko files for bankruptcy, will close 105 stores, including 16 in Wisconsin| last=Bollier| first=Jeff| newspaper=Green Bay Press-Gazette| date=January 16, 2019| access-date=January 17, 2019}} Shopko also announced the closure of another 105 of its 363 stores, including its original Military Ave. store in Green Bay.

On February 7, 2019, Shopko confirmed the closure of 251 stores or 70 percent of its locations closing in phases between March 2, 2019 and May 12, 2019.{{cite news| last1=Bollier| first1=Jeff| title=Shopko store closures more than double, now exceed 250| url=https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/money/2019/02/06/shopko-store-closures-now-exceed-250/2794537002/| newspaper=Green Bay Press-Gazette|date=February 6, 2019| access-date=February 8, 2019}} The list included 77 Shopko stores, 165 Hometown Values stores, both the 2 standalone pharmacies, and all 7 Express stores. Shopko will exit the states of California, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington.

On March 18, 2019, Shopko announced the closure of all remaining stores, after being unable to find a buyer for the chain. Liquidation sales ran through the summer.

On April 22, 2019, Shopko announced to employees that despite the fact that the company signed a contract for severance pay, only certain states would actually be paid. In April 2019, Monarch Alternative Capital LP purchased Shopko's optical operations for $8.5 million ({{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=8500000|start_year=2019|r=-3|fmt=eq}}). The optical centers continued to operate inside the otherwise-shuttered store locations until smaller locations could be found.{{cite news| last1=Bollier| first1=Jeff| title=Shopko: 5 things consumers should know now that optical will survive company's bankruptcy| url=https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/money/2019/04/18/shopko-bankruptcy-5-things-consumers-should-know-optical-sale/3497805002/| newspaper=Green Bay Press-Gazette| date=April 18, 2019| access-date=June 28, 2019}}

Several former Shopko locations have been repurposed. The former Shopko Hometowns in St Peter and New Prague, Minnesota have become Hy-Vee supermarkets.{{cite news| newspaper=The Free Press| title=Hy-Vee opening grocery in St. Peter Shopko building| url=https://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/local_news/hy-vee-opening-grocery-in-st-peter-shopko-building/article_72572262-8e01-11e9-9795-471f5634f934.html| access-date=2022-04-20| location=Mankato Minn| date=June 13, 2019| language=en| df=mdy-all}}{{cite news| date=2020-04-09| title=Former Shopko to be converted| url=http://newpraguetimes.com/new-prague-times-montgomery-messenger/content/former-shopko-be-converted |access-date=2022-04-20| website=New Prague Times| language=en| df=mdy-all}} A former Shopko in Mankato, Minnesota was converted into a mixed-use space intended to house a restaurant, indoor ice rink, and indoor event center which opened in 2023.{{cite news| last=Jirik| first=Jackson| title='Pond on Madison' has something for everyone| url=https://www.keyc.com/2023/07/27/pond-madison-has-something-everyone/| access-date=November 24, 2024| work=KEYC News| date=July 27, 2023| language=en}} Several former locations were bought by Hy-Vee and converted into their Dollar Fresh Market subsidiary.{{cite news| url=https://www.supermarketnews.com/retail-financial/more-dollar-fresh-locations-coming-hy-vee| title=More Dollar Fresh locations coming from Hy-Vee| first=Russell| last=Redman| date=January 27, 2020| website=Supermarket News| access-date=November 24, 2024}}

Organization

=Shopko=

File:ShopKo Houghton.jpg, location in April 2012. This location closed on May 11, 2019.]]

Image:First Shopko.JPG, and the marker commemorating its status, both taken in August 2009. This location closed on April 22, 2019.]]

By the time it went ceased operations, the company operated 363 stores in 24 states including, but not limited to, California, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Stores were typically placed in small to mid-sized communities. Most Shopko stores were located in strip malls, shopping malls, power centers, or freestanding locations. Shopko, with partnerships from Green Bay, Wisconsin-based Bellin Health and other local hospitals, also operated walk-in clinics inside its stores called FastCare.

Past slogans include "Say hello to a good buy at ShopKo", "ShopKo discounts the price...not the quality.", "We won't be undersold.", "ShopKo: Discover for Yourself", "ShopKo - The Store for You.", "ShopKo - Your Lifestyle, Your Pricestyle.", "Shopko - Neat stuff, neat store." and "My life...my style...my store". Shopko's last slogan was "The Stuff that Counts", which was used from 2015 to 2019. The slogan for Shopko Express pharmacy was "Every day. On your way."{{citation needed|date=November 2012}}

Karen McDiarmid was Shopko's spokesperson in the 1980s and 1990s.

Shopko sponsored the exhibition hall venue portion of the Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena/Resch Center complex, known as Shopko Hall.{{cite web| url=http://expoandeventgreenbay.com/wp-content/uploads/shopko-tech.pdf| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006042642/http://expoandeventgreenbay.com/wp-content/uploads/shopko-tech.pdf| url-status=dead| archive-date=October 6, 2016|title=Technical Information| website=Expoandeventgreenbay.com|access-date=June 2, 2019}} Unrelated to the bankruptcy in any case, Shopko Hall closed on April 28, 2019 with the BCVMA and was demolished, and was replaced with a new expo hall known as the Resch Expo.{{cite news| title=First look at the planned $93 million Brown County Expo Center| url=https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/news/2019/03/11/brown-county-expo-center-first-look-93-million-project/3133113002/| date=March 11, 2019| newspaper=Green Bay Press-Gazette| first=Jeff| last=Bollier| access-date=November 24, 2024}}

Subsidiaries

=Shopko Express=

Shopko Express (stylized as {{proper name|Shopko EXP℞ESS}}) was a chain of pharmacies owned by Shopko. Shopko Express carried a limited selection of general merchandise, groceries, beer, wine, health and beauty supplies, and over-the-counter medicines. Shopko Express also carried lottery tickets.

=Shopko Hometown=

File:Shopko standish.jpg, in October 2017. This location closed on March 17, 2019.]]

In 2012 Shopko acquired Pamida and all former Pamida locations then operated as Shopko Hometown stores. Shopko Hometown stores were aimed at smaller communities ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 in population. They carried about 70% of the merchandise of Shopko's larger stores. The first two stores opened in 2010 in Oconto, Wisconsin and Kewaunee, Wisconsin inside converted Pamida locations.{{cite news| url=http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20100521/GPG03/5210577/| archive-url=https://archive.today/20140208002159/http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20100521/GPG03/5210577/| url-status=usurped| archive-date=February 8, 2014| title=Shopko concept targets smaller communities| newspaper=Green Bay Press-Gazette| access-date=February 7, 2014}} In 2015, 20 locations were acquired from the bankrupt ALCO Stores chain, and were converted into Shopko Hometown stores.{{cite news| title=Shopko to revive 20 closed Alco stores, including 3 in Kansas| url=http://www.kansas.com/news/business/retail/article12227969.html| first=Jerry| last=Siebenmark| date=March 3, 2015| newspaper=The Wichita Eagle| access-date=November 24, 2024| url-access=subscription}}

=Payless ShoeSource=

In 1999, Shopko signed a contract with Payless ShoeSource, leasing the floorspace to the shoe chain within Shopko stores with prominent front signage, replacing the previous contract with J. Baker, Inc. as the retailer in charge of the discount shoe department. The changeover was completed by late June 2000. After filing for bankruptcy for the second time in February 2019, Payless ShoeSource coincidentally closed its stores at the same time Shopko was also closing.

= Private-label brands =

Shopko sold an assortment of private-label store-brand products, primarily in apparel and general merchandise.{{cite news| url=http://www.drugstorenews.com/article/shopko-expands-private-label-product-range| title=Shopko expands private-label product range| access-date=January 24, 2017|archive-date=February 2, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202062632/http://www.drugstorenews.com/article/shopko-expands-private-label-product-range| website=Drug Store News| first=Alaric| last=Dearment| date=September 11, 2012| url-status=usurped}} Popular brands included Shopko, Willow Bay, Bailey's Point, NorthCrest, Energy Zone, Soft Sensations, Peanut & Ollie and Green Soda.{{cite web| url=http://scottcityks.org/business_directory/shopko-hometown| title=Business Directory Scott City| website=Scott City KS| access-date=January 24, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202022942/http://scottcityks.org/business_directory/shopko-hometown| archive-date=February 2, 2017| url-status=usurped| df=mdy-all}}

Acquisitions

Shopko
Copps Department Store (Copps Department Stores were the forerunners to the current superstore concept, carrying groceries and general merchandise. When Copps, the Stevens Point, Wisconsin-based retailer left the general merchandise half of the retail business to focus on selling groceries through their Copps Food Center chain in 1983, many former Copps Department Store locations were converted to ShopKo, as well as other retailers, including ShopKo's discount store rivals Prange Way, Kmart and Woolco, as well as Wisconsin-based home improvement retailer Menards.)
Penn-Daniels/Jack's
Venture (most locations; by the end, only the former Dubuque, Iowa, location remained operating at the time of Shopko's closure.)
Parade Stores
PayLess Discount Stores
The former Kmart store in Wenatchee, Washington.
Shopko Hometown
Pamida
ALCO
P.M. Place/Place's

Distribution

Distribution and transportation was managed by Spectrum America Supply Chain Solutions, a subsidiary of Metro Supply Chain group created in 2016.{{cite web| title=Home Page| url=http://spectrumamericascs.com/| website=Spectrum America Supply Chain Solutions| access-date=January 17, 2017|archive-date=January 18, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118051633/http://spectrumamericascs.com/| url-status=usurped}} Shopko's distribution centers were located in De Pere, Wisconsin, Omaha, Nebraska, Quincy, Illinois and Boise, Idaho.{{cite web| title=Locations|url=http://spectrumamericascs.com/locations/| website=Spectrum America Supply Chain Solutions| access-date=January 17, 2017| archive-date=January 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118052416/http://spectrumamericascs.com/locations/| url-status=usurped}}