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ST. CLOUD, MN-ShopKo Stores, Inc. says it is in the final week of remodeling seven of its stores for a total cost of $22 million. The stores include one here; three in Wisconsin (Appleton, Madison and Wisconsin Rapids); and one each in Redding, CA; Salem, OR and Marquette, MI.

The remodeled ShopKo stores feature a contemporary interior that is designed to be warm and dynamic with interesting design detail, according to ShopKo officials. "Our goal is to establish a less clinical, more residential environment through the creative use of updated color and materials," says Sam Duncan, ShopKo president and chief executive officer.

Store changes also include reallocating space in home decor and housewares areas, a redesign of the home entertainment area, a new KitchenAid shop and an expanded appliance section, new automated checkout lanes and self-checkouts at some locations. ShopKo Stores is a $3.2-billion retailer headquartered in Green Bay, WI, with 361 stores and 25,000 employees throughout the Midwest, Mountain and Pacific Northwest regions. Besides ShopKo, other retail formats include Pamida and ShopKo Express.