On Friday, the Kroger, the nation's largest grocery store chain announced that it will buy all seven Hiller's Market locations in Southeastern Michigan.

Kroger will close a Commerce Township location after the sale closes in July but keep the remaining stores open.

Hiller's locations that are part of the sale agreement include: West Bloomfield, Ann Arbor, Northville, Plymouth, South Lyon and two stores in Commerce Township.

Kroger will assume the lease for the store at 3010 Union Lake Road, but will not operate the store as there is a recently built Kroger store and fuel center across the street.

Ken McClure, consumer communication manager for Kroger of Michigan, said that the purchase is part of Kroger's this year plan to invest $150 million to expand, renovate and open new stores in Michigan.

McClure said, "I can tell you metro Detroit is a very important market for us. Jim Hiller has been very supportive of the agreement. We are very proud to be able to carry the Hiller's legacy forward".

In recent years, Kroger has been expanding its selection of specialty food especially in its Marketplace stores throughout its Michigan locations. According to McClure, some Hiller's Markets stores aren't large enough to accommodate the Marketplace format.

However, the company is hoping to take their Kroger format and improve it with Hiller's great legacy of fresh, local an ethnic foods.

According to analysts, this move by the company could open opportunity for other local high-end grocers such as Papa Joe's, Westborn and national grocery store operators such as Whole Foods and Phoenix-based Fresh Thyme.

Kroger needs experienced workers to help staff the new stores and encourage Hiller's associates to apply for positions. Store conversion details, including hiring events will be announced after the deal is finalized.