Tops Markets, LLC has begun renovations of its Olean, N.Y. store, with the aim of updating the location's look and expanding its selection. It's the first renovation of a Tops store since the chain's acquisition by Morgan Stanley Private Equity last year, Tops spokeswoman Katie McKenna told Progressive Grocer.

Although Tops has been in the area for 37 years, the current 77,000-square-foot site opened in 1995.

Among the changes being made to the store is a new natural and organic foods section. The company is replacing meat and seafood display cases and dairy and frozen food display cases, which will allow the store to offer a greater assortment of items to customers.

Additionally, new decor inside the store, and some exterior painting will update its look.

"When these renovations are complete, our customers will have a more welcoming shopping experience while at the same time being able to take advantage of our increased selection of products, specifically in natural and organic foods and dairy and frozen foods," noted Olean store manager Tim Lyons.

Tops will also install an up-to-date energy management system, which will lower the electricity consumption of store lighting and refrigeration programs. The new frozen food display cases will also feature anti-sweat heaters, slashing energy consumption.

The general contractor for the project is Elma, N.Y.-based Concept Construction Corp., and the refrigeration contractor is TDH Refrigeration of Cheektowaga, N.Y.

The renovation work is slated to finish by the middle of next month.

Williamsville, N.Y.-based Tops Markets operates 71 full-service supermarkets and five franchise supermarkets and employs over 10,000 associates.