GREEN BAY, Wis. — Shopko Stores Operating Co. has completed the conversion of 163 Pamida discount stores to its Shopko Hometown format.

Shopko Stores Operating Co. has completed the conversion of 163 Pamida discount stores to its Shopko Hometown format.

The decision to convert the Pamida outlets had been announced in January 2012, and the final 36 stores celebrated their official grand openings as Shopko Hometown units last month. Shopko now operates the banner in 176 locations serving smaller and rural communities.

The conversion project required an investment of $70 million. The Hometown format combines pharmacy services with a broad array of national brands and high-value private label goods in stores that range from 15,000 to 35,000 square feet.

"Our team did an exceptional job of integrating the two companies into one and staying on an aggressive schedule for the store conversion efforts," said Mike Bettiga, interim chief executive officer and Shopko’s chief operating officer.