Additional Coverage:
- Iconic 100-year-old grocery chain to shut down in several US states: All you need to know (marketrealist.com)
Winn-Dixie Set to Scale Back, Shuttering Stores in Several Southern States
Miami, FL – A retail era is drawing to a close for many across the American South as Winn-Dixie, the grocery chain with a century-long history, prepares to significantly reduce its footprint. By the end of this year, the iconic brand will be pulling out of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, with its presence outside of Florida limited to just five stores in Georgia.
The move comes as Southeastern Grocers, Winn-Dixie’s parent company, embarks on a rebranding and strategic refocus. “We are accelerating growth where our roots run deepest while staying true to our purpose of feeding and enriching the communities, families, and neighbors who have supported us for generations,” stated Anthony Hucker, Chairman and CEO of Southeastern Grocers.
This latest development follows a period of contraction for Winn-Dixie, which saw over 90 store closures in 2025. The decision to further streamline operations indicates a strategic pivot towards concentrating efforts in its home state of Florida, where it was founded 100 years ago, and a focused presence in Georgia.
The affected store locations in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi will not remain vacant for long. Southeastern Grocers has reached agreements with other grocery businesses, including Piggly Wiggly and Food City, to reopen these sites under new banners. This transition is expected to be completed by year-end.
According to reports, this strategic divestment will allow Southeastern Grocers to fully dedicate its resources to its 130 conventional grocery stores and 140 freestanding and grocery-adjacent liquor stores in Florida and Georgia. CEO Hucker expressed gratitude to the loyal customers and associates in the departing markets.
“As we write our next chapter as The Winn-Dixie Company, we also want to acknowledge the people and communities beyond Florida who have been an integral part of our story,” Hucker said. “We are profoundly thankful to our associates and customers in these markets for their loyalty – for making Winn-Dixie and Harveys a meaningful part of their lives and trusting us to help nourish their families. We will do everything we can to support those who supported us, ensuring this transition reflects the gratitude and respect they deserve.”