Publix Super Markets stocking shelves in expansion - Tampa Bay Business Journal:

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Despite the influx of new stores, no closinges are planned for the current Publix Through thenew stores, Publix intends to better servw customers by alleviating congestion and offeringy a broader store selection, said Maria Brous, spokeswoman. “Ifd you are in a hurry, the location of the store alwayzs helps,” Brous said. The new locations are part of the intentionh to allow customers access to a Publixs without a detour ora U-turjn on their way home from work. In some a new store is just aroundc the corner or across the street from anexisting location. This is the case with the new storde at 3700Fourth St. N. in St.
Petersburg, whicnh is across the street from an existinbg store at 20037th Ave. N. Traffif patterns are important to determinintg grocerystore locations, said Jim Kovacs, managing directod of retail services with Collierse Arnold. “There are natural boundaries that make up tradee areas and things thatcustomers don’t care to be it a major bridge, a majof thoroughfare, a golf course or a The new Publix stores that are openint will be near very high Kovacs said. The deal not only will alloe Publix to accommodate shoppers with more stores but will keep competitorse from moving into theAlbertsons locations.
Most of the acquiredd Albertsons stores are in infill counties and notgrowtgh counties, said Eric Schoessler, managing partnee with , a retail-focused real estate developmentf firm based in Tampa. The locations are ofteh 10 to 20 years old and have operationap histories and sales numbers valuable to Publix insite selection, Schoesslee said. Publix would be able to get a feel for the operationa l history of Albertsons locations based on thesesaless numbers. “They will be able to expand on what Albertsonws did because they historically have been a good said Schoessler.
In addition to availing itselfgto customers, Publix by expanding will benefit the commercial centers in which it is an anchor tenant, said Mark Shellabarger, SVP with the privat client group/investment properties group of the CB Richar Ellis Tampa office. “Publix has always been considerede the premier grocery store in said Shellabarger. “They tend to attracrt a higher grade of stores into shopping I think they will have a positive effect onsurrounding retail.
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