If you’re a real estate developer and the anchor tenant at one of your properties wants a bigger store, “that’s a good problem to have,” said David Ledbetter, vice president for leasing at Rome’s Ledbetter Properties.

Ledbetter has confirmed that talks are in progress with Kroger for a possible expansion of the store in Riverbend Center off Turner McCall Boulevard following news that adjacent tenants — Alisha’s Hallmark and Chico’s — plan to close.

Ledbetter said the Kroger store does so well that they are looking at rearranging some things.

Rome store manager Steve Van Meter said the

store was built to do about half of the business that it does. “I can tell you that I’m pushing for Kroger to expand,” said Van Meter.

He said the success that

the store has enjoyed for the past six years is far more than had been anticipated. “When good things happen, improvements can come,” said Van Meter.

The store now encompasses 63,000 square feet. Van Meter could not speculate as to how much additional space would be needed. Kroger’s corporate officials could not be reached for comment.

The impending departure of Alisha’s Hallmark and Chico’s, both in line next to the Kroger in Riverbend Center, would open space for expansion in that direction.

Those two slots combine for just more than 5,500 square feet.

“I am not too worried about back-filling those two slots,” said Ledbetter.

Not when you’ve got an anchor tenant with thoughts about expansion.

Businesses at a glance

Dec. 22 — Revelation that Wada Metals of America, Rome’s first major Japanese manufacturer has shut down.

Dec. 23 — Department of Labor says that Rome regained about 200 jobs from October to November.

Dec. 23 — The Gap confirms plans to close its Mount Berry Square mall store around the end of January.

Dec. 24 — Chico’s in Riverbend Center announces plans to shut down around the end of January.

Dec. 28 — Alisha’s Hallmark owner Vik Sheth confirms plan to close his store in Riverbend Center after Valentine’s Day.

Dec. 29 — Savvy Scrubs off West Fourth Avenue reveals its intention to go out of business around the end of January.

Dec. 29 — Ledbetter Properties confirms initial discussions with Kroger about possible expansion of the store in the Riverbend Center.