Big Changes Planned as Two South Lakeland Grocery Stores Close Temporarily (2024)

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Big Changes Planned as Two South Lakeland Grocery Stores Close Temporarily (1)

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Two south Lakeland grocery stores are about to undergo major transformations.

The Publix at Lake Miriam Plaza, 4730 S. Florida Ave., closed its doors at 7 p.m. last Saturday for a major demolition and reconstruction project. When it reopens at the end of 2025, the almost 50-year-old store will look dramatically different, according to Publix Media Relations Manager Lindsey Willis.

About three miles further south, the Winn-Dixie at 6902 S. Florida Ave. is scheduled to close on July 28. It is being converted into an ALDI, according to Meredith Hurley, senior director of communication for Southeastern Grocers Inc.

In March, ALDI acquired Southeastern Grocers, the parent company of Winn-Dixie, Fresco y Más and Harveys Supermarkets.

Lake Miriam Square Publix (Slideshow)

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Although the flagship store in Lake Miriam Square is closed, shoppers in the area don’t have to go far to get groceries. The former Publix GreenWise Market across the street at 4747 S. Florida Avenue has been converted into a traditional Publix store. The move was part of the company’s decision to rebrand all eight of its GreenWise stores, but came at a convenient time for Lakelanders.

Other shops in the plaza, such as Publix Pharmacy, Beef O’Brady’s, Glam Color Bar, and Bahia Bowls Acai Cafe, remain open.

The project, listed in city records as valued at $11.5 million, involves the complete demolition of the existing 56,313-square-foot store and expansion into the neighboring retail spaces formerly occupied by the Aprons cooking school, Grapevine Fine Wine & Spirits and the Lakeland eLibrary. Those establishments all moved last summer:

The reconstruction is being done by Sarasota-based McIntyre Elwell & Strammer General Contractors, Inc. Plans call for a 63,830-square-foot store with outdoor seating. There will be a Publix liquor store and pharmacy adjacent to the supermarket.

“When it reopens as our newer, larger format, customers will enjoy expanded offerings in the deli like burrito bowls and a pizza oven. There will also be a Pours area, where customers can order smoothies and acai bowls or grab a drink and sip while they shop,” Willis said.

The previous store’s employees have been transferred to other Publix locations, Willis said.

Other Publix stores in the area include Publix Super Market in the Highlands at the intersection of County Road 540 A and Lakeland Highlands Blvd., and the Publix Super Market at Oakbridge Centre.

Winn-Dixie in Imperial Christina Plaza (Slideshow)

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ALDI gained about 500 grocery stores with its acquisition of Southeastern Grocers.In a press release, it said it “intends for a meaningful amount of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets to continue to operate under their current banners.” However, “a significant number” of stores will be converted to the ALDI format in phases over the next several years.

The Winn-Dixie in Imperial Christina Plaza is one of about 50 slated for conversion this year “with the majority of these stores reopening as ALDI in 2025.”

Outside the store this week, there was a sign that read “All sales final,” and a notice of new store hours from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Inside, there was a massive sale. Shelves of meat lay bare and signs dictated that items were on clearance for 30 to 40% off. The Winn Dixie liquor store is closing, too. A handwritten sign on its door stated the store was open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Just inside the door, bottles of Jack Daniel’s whiskey were marked 20% off. Other shelves had clearance signs.

Hurley said employees have the option of applying for roles at the new store or transferring to a neighboring Winn-Dixie store.

“As we work through this transition period, conversion plans are still being finalized and we will share more information as it becomes available. We appreciate the support and understanding of our valued associates, customers, and communities throughout this process,” Hurley said.

For customers, the nearest shopping option is now the Publix at 2040 Shepherd Rd., in Mulberry. The closest Winn-Dixie is at 2896 Lakeland Highlands Rd.

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Big Changes Planned as Two South Lakeland Grocery Stores Close Temporarily (2024)

FAQs

Big Changes Planned as Two South Lakeland Grocery Stores Close Temporarily? ›

Big Changes Planned as Two South Lakeland Grocery Stores Close Temporarily. The Publix in Lake Miriam Square is getting a major makeover. The Winn-Dixie on South Florida Avenue is becoming an ALDI.

What two large grocery stores are merging? ›

Supermarket giant Kroger Co. announced plans to offload more than 60 supermarkets in California as part of its planned merger with Albertsons.

What are the former grocery stores in Florida? ›

A&P, Pantry Pride, Food Fair, Food Lion, Piggly Wiggly, Kwik Chek, Albertson's, Grand Union. Over the decades, many chain grocery stores have arrived with fanfare in Palm Beach County and slowly dwindled away.

Why do grocery stores close in poor areas? ›

That said, studies have shown that some supermarket leaders may perceive low-income urban areas — particularly those inhabited by people of color— as higher-risk due to concerns about crime, vandalism or social instability, while questions of profitability, operating costs and consumer demand come into play, too.

Why do they rearrange grocery stores? ›

It's no coincidence when supermarkets switch up their layouts, and they often do it to create customer interest, which hopefully leads to impulse purchases. In short, you'll buy more if you see more!

Which two supermarkets plan to merge in 2024? ›

By Frank Heinz • Published July 10, 2024 • Updated on July 10, 2024 at 5:52 pm. Kroger and Albertson's released a list of nearly 600 grocery stores, including 26 in North Texas, that they will sell to a competitor if their $24.6 billion merger is approved.

Who's buying out Kroger? ›

Subject to fulfillment of customary closing conditions, including Federal Trade Commission and/or other governmental clearance, and the completion of the Kroger-Albertsons merger, C&S will pay Kroger an all-cash consideration of approximately $2.9 billion, including customary adjustments.

Why are people against Dollar General? ›

Dollar store chains are often cited for serious safety violations. The major chain dollar stores have all been cited numerous times for serious safety violations that endanger workers and shoppers, from exposed electrical wiring to inaccessible emergency exits to serious rodent infestations.

Why shelves are empty at the grocery store? ›

Previously, people blamed COVID-19 panic buyers for emptying store shelves because they stripped stores clean of essentials like toilet paper and water bottles. However, the current empty shelf crisis comes from suppliers that can't keep up with demand due to lower production, shipping delays and labor shortages.

What is it called when there are no grocery stores? ›

A food desert is an area that has limited access to food that is plentiful, affordable, or nutritious. In contrast, an area with greater access to supermarkets and vegetable shops with fresh foods may be called a food oasis.

Why are grocery stores switching to self checkout? ›

Self-checkout lanes were first introduced in grocery stores in the 1980s to bring down labor expenses. But fast-forward a few decades and things are changing to the point where some stores are now slowing down the move to self checkout, which some had predicted would take over grocery shopping by now.

Why are grocery stores so understaffed? ›

Some of the most prominent reasons for the retail labor shortage include: Compensation. Working Conditions. Benefits and Incentives.

What supermarkets are trying to merge? ›

As Albertsons/Safeway works to merge with Kroger (Fred Meyer), the two will sell off 124 of their stores in Washington state (19 in the county), plus 456 in other states.

Which two supermarket chains are merging? ›

Kroger-Albertsons Merger Takes Major Hit From The FTC, Is It The End? Contributor. I cover issues and trends in the food, retail and agriculture sectors. Kroger and Albertsons ACI +0.5% , two of the nation's largest supermarket chains agreed to merge in October 2022.

Is Kroger and Target merging? ›

As of September 2023, there has been no official announcement or confirmation of a merger between Kroger and Target. While analysts have speculated about the potential benefits of such a merger, both companies continue to operate independently, focusing on their individual strategies and market positions.

Why is Albertsons merging with Kroger? ›

Kroger and Albertsons agreed to merge in October 2022. The companies said a merger would help them better compete with big retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon, which owns Whole Foods, because they would have more power to negotiate prices and could save on distribution and administrative costs.

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