Word that the Shopko department store chain will seek bankruptcy protection is causing concerns in Sister Bay and Kewaunee. Published reports say the Ashwaubenon-based retailer will file for bankruptcy January 15th. The company operates Shopko Hometown stores in Sister Bay and Kewaunee. The news of a bankruptcy filing is a concern for Sister Bay Village President Dave Lienau because of the economic impact the store has in Northern Door County.
Similar concerns are also being raised by Kewaunee County Administrator Scott Feldt. He says the potential loss of Shopko Hometown in Kewaunee would mean an economic loss beyond the workforce and tax base.
Bankruptcy would be just the latest effort by Shopko to improve the company's bottom line. The company announced in December it would close 39 stores and was selling its pharmacy business to Kroger and HyVee stores.
