Publix Continues Southeast Expansion Efforts

Publix continues to expand its store count across the southeastern portion of the U.S., and a new location in Lakeland, Fla., scheduled to open in November will have more square footage than the grocer’s typical store.

On Friday, November 9, the store at 3636 Harden Blvd. will offer 54,964 square feet, more than 6,000 square feet larger than what is commonplace for Publix locations. 

From October 25 through November 15, the grocer will open six new locations; two in Florida, and one each in Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Four of the stores will have 48,387 square feet and one (in Spring Hill, Fla.) will have 46,791 square feet.

According to Progressive Grocer, as of mid-October, Publix has opened 50-plus stores since 2022.

Following the closure of its Greenwise Market stores in May of 2023, Hannah Herring, Publix media relations manager, told Progressive Grocer that learnings from the Greenwise concept will be applied to the newest Publix store prototype, first seen at a Tampa location. 

“It’s a larger format that offers departments for grocery, dairy, frozen food, seafood, meat and fresh produce, as well as a full-service bakery, deli and pharmacy,” Herring said. “The new format allows for additional offerings that may include a Pours area and burrito, pizza and pasta bars, as well as upstairs and outside seating.”