A Grocery Showdown May Be Brewing.

Something interesting is happening along South Westnedge Avenue in Portage, and it could eventually change where some of us shop for groceries.

Grocery giant Kroger has purchased the vacant shopping center that once housed JoAnn Fabrics, Big Lots, Chuck E. Cheese, and Rent-A-Center. The company has explored transforming the property into a full-service supermarket.

And here's where things get interesting.

The proposed location would put Kroger in the same shopping plaza as Aldi and directly across South Westnedge from Fresh Thyme Market.

Talk about grocery competition!

For shoppers, the three stores could offer some interesting choices.

Aldi has built its reputation around low prices, store-brand products, and a quick, no-frills shopping experience. Fresh Thyme attracts customers looking for fresh produce, natural and organic foods, and specialty products.

Kroger would bring something different: a traditional full-service supermarket with national brands, extensive grocery selections, and potentially a pharmacy.

But what happens when three different grocery concepts compete within such a small area?

For Aldi, another major supermarket nearby could mean more competition for shoppers watching every dollar. Fresh Thyme might face additional competition for produce and specialty grocery purchases.

On the other hand, competition can be a good thing for consumers. More choices, competitive promotions, and the convenience of comparing stores without driving across town could make this stretch of Westnedge even more attractive.

And let's face it, with grocery prices still putting pressure on household budgets, a little competition might be welcome!

There's another possible benefit, too.

Those empty storefronts have been sitting along one of Portage's busiest commercial corridors. Bringing a major retailer into that space could generate additional traffic for neighboring businesses and breathe new life into the shopping center.

In fact, the owner of nearby Antique Kitchen told FOX 17 she welcomes the possibility of more customers visiting the area.

There's also the question of traffic.

Anyone who regularly drives South Westnedge knows that getting in and out of shopping centers can already be an adventure, especially during busy shopping hours. Another major grocery destination could make that stretch even busier.

Of course, more activity could also encourage improvements to the surrounding property and access roads.

Now, before anyone starts planning their first Kroger shopping trip, there's an important detail: Kroger has purchased the property, but no formal development plan or opening date has been announced.

Portage officials say the company has discussed remodeling the existing buildings rather than tearing everything down.

So, for now, it's a possibility rather than a confirmed opening.

Still, it's an interesting development for a city that's already seeing plenty of changes along its major shopping corridors.

And it raises a fun question for local shoppers:

If Kroger opens across from Fresh Thyme and next to Aldi, would you change where you shop, or are you loyal to your favorite grocery store?