JACKSONVILLE, FL - Despite having filed for bankruptcy reorganization only weeks ago, Southeastern Grocers LLC has not slowed remodel plans.
“Actually, it’s accelerated it,” CEO Anthony Hucker said Thursday after cutting the ribbon on the grand reopening of a renovated Winn-Dixie store in northern St. Johns County.
The Daily Record reported that the company’s repackaged reorganization plan, which has already received approval from unsecured creditors, will place Southeastern in a stronger financial position with its debt reduced by more than $500 million.
The company intends to continue operations for 580 stores in seven states after closing 94 through the reorganization efforts. Despite Winn-Dixie having invested $5.5 million in 2011 to upgrade the St. Johns' store alone, Southeastern will now further upgrade because of customer feedback, according to the news source.
“We listened to you. You said you wanted more organic,” Hucker said, alluding the renovated store featuring 1,400 new natural and organic items. “Freshness for us is a big, big deal.”
Though the repeated bankruptcy filings have rightfully raised questions concerning the company’s sustainability, Hucker wants customers to feel that they can rely on the grocer; he hopes that the company’s actions will indicate as much.
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