The grocery store chain Southeastern Grocers said Tuesday it’s rebranding, closing stores in several states and putting a new focus on its Florida home base as company officials looks forward.
Southeastern revealed as part of its new reorganization it will rebrand as the “Winn-Dixie Company” and will pull out of multiple states by the start of next year, according to company officials.
“We’re profoundly thankful to our associates and customers across all our markets for their loyalty,” said Southeastern Grocers CEO Anthony Hucker.
About 130 grocery and 140 liquor stores in Florida and Georgia will remain operated by Winn-Dixie following its transition.
Company officials said Southeastern will offload the large segment of 32 Winn-Dixie and eight Harvey’s Supermarkets in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi but will leave open some southern Georgia stores.
Discount grocery retailer Aldi has staked its regional presence in recent years after it acquired about 400 Winn-Dixie and Harvey’s Supermarket locations across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Four Winn-Dixie’s closed this year in three Alabama cities and currently operate 20 in the state.
Last week, Food City announced its plan to hire a majority of store associates.
Meanwhile, Hucker will remain chairman and CEO of the Winn-Dixie Co.
“As we move forward as Winn-Dixie, we’ll do everything we can to ensure these transitions reflect the gratitude and respect our people deserve,” Hucker added in a statement.
