Publix acquires two leases from grocery chain in Alabama
Publix Super Markets will acquire the leases for two Western Market locations near Birmingham, Ala. The location in Mountain Brook will open as a GreenWise Market. The Vestavia Hills location will open as a Publix.
“Publix is always seeking locations where we can serve our customers and offer an exceptional shopping experience,” said Todd Jones, CEO of Publix. “This acquisition allows us to expand our presence in the Birmingham area, and we are very excited to bring one of our GreenWise Markets to this region.”
The more than 200 affected Western Market employees are being offered jobs at Publix, which said it will provide them with details on how to apply for employment.
The Mountain Brook location is the seventh announced GreenWise Market and is expected to open by the third quarter. The Vestavia Hills store will be torn down and rebuilt as an approximately 35,000-square-foot Publix with its opening date not yet determined.
“Western Market has been serving Alabama for 70 years,” said Ken Hubbard, CEO of Western Market. “I am happy to know our spirit of service, dedication to our people and community involvement will continue through Publix. I believe this is the best grocer to serve our loyal customers into the future.”
Publix operates 1,211 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.
The acquisition is expected to close in March.