Publix coming to Richmond (Fredericksburg: store, moving, Walmart)

[ellieb128]

I wish it was Food Lion leaving, I hate that store. Publix would be nice although large expansion like this seems to not be their usual way.

[sls76]

Originally Posted by ellieb128

I wish it was Food Lion leaving, I hate that store. Publix would be nice although large expansion like this seems to not be their usual way.

They said they were looking to aggressively expand in Richmond and Martin's has good real estate. It stinks that Food Lion stays open.

[VA Yankee]

Food Lion serves a purpose, Martins never did no great loss with Martins

[sls76]

Originally Posted by VA Yankee

Food Lion serves a purpose, Martins never did no great loss with Martins

What is Food Lion's purpose? To make the other grocery stores look good? Martin's only purpose for me was to sell Ukrop's baked goods.

[Pyroninja42]

Originally Posted by sls76

Martin's reportedly selling its 19 stores in the Richmond area as part of merger - Richmond Area Business News - Richmond, Va., News, Entertainment, Events, Food, Dining, Sports, Business and Commentary

So long Martin's. I see Publix as the likely buyer as these stores are too small for Kroger. Too bad the Food Lion stores won't be touched.

ETA: I hope Kroger gets more Ukrops bakery goods. Although Publix has a decent bakery.

Decent? Publix's bakery is freaking AWESOME

[sls76]

Originally Posted by Pyroninja42

Decent? Publix's bakery is freaking AWESOME

For a grocery store it's pretty good as is/was Ukrop's (we moved from Richmond to Tampa in 2005 and to me Publix bakery was not as good). Obviously this is highly subjective.

[ellieb128]

Originally Posted by VA Yankee

Food Lion serves a purpose, Martins never did no great loss with Martins

As a smaller alternative to Walmart? Martins is a fine store. They are selling it off because it is better.

[Carolina Knight]

Originally Posted by ellieb128

I wish it was Food Lion leaving, I hate that store.

Food Lion would stay if Ahold has ideas to improve its stores in the Richmond area (i.e. add pharmacies, implement lower price strategies, improve fresh foods, quality products and customer service). It may depart if Kroger and/or Publix increase their presence and decimates it.

Originally Posted by ellieb128

Publix would be nice although large expansion like this seems to not be their usual way.

Publix acquired seven stores in Tennessee from Albertson's in 2002, and entered its fifth state; acquired 49 more stores in Florida from Albertson's in 2008; and acquired seven stores in North Carolina and Bi-Lo in 2013. It is capable of acquiring a quantity of stores. It usually does not acquire entire chains.

[Carolina Knight]

Originally Posted by sls76

What is Food Lion's purpose?

Food Lion currently talks the talk of an "easy, fresh, and affordable" shopping experience. I would expect:
Easy: necessities of food and pharmacy, easy to get in and out, consistent good customer service
Fresh: fresh foods and quality products
Affordable: low prices

I do not think Food Lion walks that walk. Many of its stores do not have necessities, have lacked in fresh foods and quality products, have higher prices, and leave much to be desired in service.

Originally Posted by sls76

To make the other grocery stores look good?

Food Lion has been obliterated by competitors or closed stores that were instant failures.

Originally Posted by ellieb128

As a smaller alternative to Walmart?

I hate to say Walmart Neighborhood Market is an upgrade compared to Food Lion.

[Carolina Knight]

Originally Posted by sls76

For a grocery store it's pretty good as is/was Ukrop's (we moved from Richmond to Tampa in 2005 and to me Publix bakery was not as good). Obviously this is highly subjective.

Publix may be the best option in Florida. Winn-Dixie leaves much to be desired.