JACKSONVILLE, FL – As the buy-side market continues to tighten amongst competitors, Winn-Dixie is looking to make a splash with prospective remodels for its stores. Under the initiative of Southeastern Grocers CEO Ian McLeod, the store is looking at a prospective five new models for the chain. Another store has launched one of the first format prototypes in South Tampa, FL.
“In the past, Winn-Dixie wasn’t known for its cleanliness or quality,” stated McLeod, according to TBO.com. “The biggest difference in the U.S. compared to other countries is the diversity. There’s such a large spread between income levels, tastes, and ethnicities. We can’t reach them all in one way.”
McLeod reportedly spent the first few months on the job working to improve the stores’ cleanliness, and then expanded the chain's focus to review the demographics of surrounding areas to further answer consumer needs. For South Tampa, one of these demands was an expanded produce section.
The remodeled 46,000-square-foot South Tampa store boasts a newer, cleaner, and more modern look than consumers might be used to. It also houses a kitchen, café, and expanded organic, seafood, and meat departments. These additions to the revamp are based off company research, and Southeastern Grocers customer surveys.
This store is the chain’s second for this specific prototype, with the first unveiled in February in Jacksonville, FL. McLeod stated that the new pilot stores will be reviewed and assessed as they launch in new cities, to further hone which format works best with each demographic.
“The grocery industry is very competitive,” McLeod continued. “The only way to compete effectively is to be able to adapt and to change with the trends. A lot of the new competition coming into Florida is very niche. We offer customers a full shopping experience, and we’ve changed our product range to give them the brands and the items they want.”
McLeod took over the Winn-Dixie and Bi-Lo brands in 2015, and cultivated five store formats to attract every type of shopper the chain is looking to engage instead of settling for a one-size-fits-all format.
As Winn-Dixie continues to remodel its stores, and hone its competitive focus, AndNowUKnow will continue to have the latest on its impact in the buy-side segment.
