LAKELAND, FL - Publix is making moves on the busy Virginia market, making good on its promises last winter of “looking aggressively to grow” in the state.
With the planned acquisition of 10 Martin’s Food Markets stores that will aid Ahold and The Delhaize Group’s necessary divestiture of 86 stores, Publix would make its official debut in the state earlier than planned.
As we reported previously, Publix had already purchased two stores that would be its first foray into the Virginia market, but the earliest isn’t set to open until the end of next year and no official date has been released.
“Acquiring these 10 locations aligns with Publix’s aggressive growth plan for the commonwealth of Virginia,” Publix CEO and President Todd Jones said, according to a press release. “We are looking forward to providing Virginians with the high-quality service and products our customers have come to expect and have earned us recognition throughout the industry.”
It is a busy playing field Publix is working itself into, according to the Richmond Times Dispatch, with Wegmans new stores in the same planned areas, one that just opened in May and another due to open next month. Aldi, Lidl, Whole Foods, Kroger, and Walmart are also investing in growing in the state.
The 10-store purchase, however, remains contingent on FTC approval. If the sale does go through, the plan is to transfer the stores over on a rolling basis, and close them on that basis for construction and conversion to the Publix banner. Per the contractual agreement, Publix will not be extending offers of employment to the current workers at those stores, according to the company. Instead, employees will need to reapply once Publix takes over the stores, though the retailer stated it will be holding job fairs closer to the re-openings and encourages Martin’s employees to apply.
Virginia makes for Publix’s seventh state of operation, but grand-opening dates will not be released until the extent of the remodels and construction can be examined. AndNowUKnow will report on this further as more information comes to light.
