A WINN-DIXIE location will close its doors for several months and reopen as a new grocery store.
The branch in Northport, Alabama, about 50 miles southwest of Birmingham, will be acquired by discount food giant Aldi.
This McFarland Blvd. The location will be closed for several months while the transition takes place, forcing shoppers to look elsewhere for their groceries.
One customer took to social media to share that he would be visiting a rival food store.
“Well Publix, here I come,” they wrote.
The store is expected to close in July.
Employees were reportedly informed of the changes received via email earlier this week, according to the Tuscaloosa Topic.
Southeastern Grocers director of communications and community Meredith Hurley shared that current employees will be able to apply for jobs at the new Aldi store at the earliest opportunity, according to WVUA 23.
She also revealed that employees have been allowed to transfer to another Winn-Dixie location in the meantime.
The store is expected to reopen in January.
Customers with medical prescriptions had their medical records transferred to other pharmacies.
Some shoppers shared their excitement at the arrival of the Aldi store.
“I really like the Aldi experience,” wrote one person in the comments of a Facebook publish.
“I think careful buyers will too.
“Of course, I was also impressed with this Winn-Dixie.”
“Love, love, love Aldi,” wrote someone else.
Store closures in 2024
Several CEOs and retail leaders have announced unexpected closures that will affect their physical stores.
This location wasn’t the only Winn-Dixie store in Alabama to make this change.
The Auburn branch will also close its doors in July and reopen as Aldi.
This location was the last remaining Winn-Dixie store in town.
CHANGING HANDS
Aldi acquired Winn-Dixie from Southeastern Grocers in 2023.
The terms of this agreement stated that many of these stores would be converted into branches of the discount food retailer.
“We are evaluating which locations will convert to the Aldi format to better support the neighborhoods we will now be privileged to serve,” CEO James Hart said in a statement to Miami Herald in 2023.
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