SAN ANTONIO, TX - H-E-B is giving its Central Market store in Houston a $10 million facelift, adding 10,000-square-feet to the location and emphasizing grocery and fresh growth.

The enhancements come with additions to the produce department that will expand it by one third, according to the Houston Chronicle, as well as a larger specialty grocery area offering more international selections and a bigger dairy department.

The changes are not only in line with a rising demand for international flavors, but the first major remodel the location will have seen since its opening 15 years ago.

"This will be an important restaging of the store for the future. It's been 15 years since we've invested significant capital,” Stephen Butt, H-E-B Senior VP of the Central Market Division, told the Houston Chronicle. “We want to stay current with products, but also keep the brand current in a competitive market."

Other additions and modifications in the renovation include:

• Changes to the appearance to “brighten” the interior of the market
• A new atrium at the entrance, complete with vaulted ceilings and skylight
• A single-lane-access checkout area

The store will continue to operate through the construction, which is expected to be finished next spring. Butt called the Houston store one of the strongest of the nine Central Markets in Texas, so it will be interesting to see if this emphasis on fresh spreads to other locations as the retailer continues to make moves to set itself apart from the rest.

H-E-B