Dillons Opens New Store on KU’s West Campus
Dillons has launched a new grocery store on the University of Kansas’ west campus, attracting a large crowd on its opening day. Located at 2205 Iowa St. in The Crossing at KU, the store opened its doors to eager shoppers at 7 a.m. on Friday. Store manager Seth Hinkle described the project as a labor of love, expressing gratitude to his team and the community.
Key Features of the New Dillons Store
The Dillons store represents a significant investment of over $30 million and is the first major retailer within The Crossing development. It spans an impressive 30,000 additional square feet compared to the previous location at 1015 W. 23rd St., which will now close.
- Store Size: 30,000 square feet larger than the previous Dillons
- Location: 2205 Iowa St., Lawrence, Kansas
- Store hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Investment: More than $30 million
- Additional Staff: 150 new associates
Environmental Initiatives
The new store incorporates a state-of-the-art refrigeration system that utilizes carbon dioxide as the primary refrigerant, expecting to reduce CO2 emissions by over 200 tons annually.
Tax Information
As part of a community improvement district, the store’s products will incur an additional 1.5% sales tax. While the state no longer taxes most groceries, city and county rates of 1.6% and 1.25% respectively will apply, resulting in a total tax rate of 4.35% for grocery purchases.
Community Engagement and Events
The grand opening included festivities such as free cupcakes and refreshments for shoppers. A mural created by local artist Kent Smith, commissioned by Dillons in partnership with the Lawrence Arts Center, adds a cultural touch to the store. The mural, featuring themes like sunflowers and Monarch butterflies, aims to evoke a comforting atmosphere.
Community Contributions
In addition to the store opening, Dillons has initiated a food drive supporting Just Food of Douglas County and the KU Campus Cupboard. Volunteers will be collecting nonperishable items throughout the weekend, with a focus on essential goods like peanut butter, pasta, and canned proteins.
Leadership Statements
Steve Dreher, president of Dillons division, acknowledged the transition from the old location as challenging but praised the team’s adaptability. He expressed gratitude to store teams across Lawrence for managing customer demand during the changeover.
Amid the celebrations, members of the KU University Band performed outside the store, enhancing the festive environment. Overall, the Dillons store on KU’s west campus emerges as a cornerstone for community engagement and sustainable development.
