Publix is closing seven stores across three states in 2026, a move that comes as the beloved Southeastern chain navigates a rare slowdown in its sales growth.
The employee-owned grocer, long admired for its customer service and popular sub sandwiches, has described closures like these as a normal part of running its business. It routinely replaces stores and shutters underperforming locations. Several of the closings this year are redevelopments, meaning the stores will be torn down and rebuilt rather than shut for good.
The 7 stores closing in 2026
Here are the locations confirmed to be closing, grouped by state.
- St. Petersburg, Florida, at 5577 Park Street N.
- Miami, Florida, at 8250 Mills Drive.
- West Palm Beach, Florida, at 828 Southern Boulevard, which will be rebuilt.
- Palm Bay, Florida, at 4711 Babcock Street NE, which will be rebuilt.
- Atlanta, Georgia, at 1380 Atlantic Drive NW.
- Chamblee, Georgia, at 2562 Shallowford Road NE.
- Goose Creek, South Carolina, at 208 Saint James Avenue, which will be rebuilt.
Why rebuild instead of renovate
Experts say the choice to rebuild often comes down to a building’s age. Shai Wolkowicki, managing principal of the W Companies, a developer and investor in net-lease retail, told Inc. that once a renovation costs nearly as much as a new building, tearing it down can be the smarter move.
A ground-up rebuild also makes room for upgrades that are too costly to retrofit, he said, including higher ceilings, modern refrigeration and energy systems, relocated loading docks, a pharmacy drive-through and dedicated areas for online pickup. It also lets a retailer redesign its parking lot and access points rather than working around existing walls…