Publix moves closer to Kentucky debut, plans another store in the state

Dive Temporary:

• Publix on Thursday broke floor on its first location in Louisville, Kentucky, placing the grocery store chain a step nearer to starting operations within the state, in response to a press launch from the retailer. The shop will mark Publix’s Kentucky debut and is scheduled to be accomplished within the fourth quarter of 2023.
• The Florida-based grocer additionally introduced it has signed a lease for a retailer in Lexington, Kentucky, that’s anticipated to open in late 2024.
• Publix’s upcoming growth into Kentucky heightens the rivalry between the grocery store and Kroger, which has a sturdy presence within the state and is constructing an online-only presence in Publix’s house state of Florida.

Dive Perception:

Publix’s new retailer in Louisville would be the first of two places the chain intends to open within the metropolis in the course of the coming years because it establishes roots in Kentucky. 

The retailer revealed plans to construct its inaugural Kentucky grocery store in September, shortly earlier than disclosing its intention to open a second Louisville location in the course of the first quarter of 2024. The Louisville Publix shops, together with the newly introduced Lexington location, will every occupy about 55,700 sq. toes and embody a drive-thru pharmacy.

The three supermarkets will every sit subsequent to a 3,200-square-foot Publix Liquors retailer, in response to Publix. The retailer famous the alcoholic beverage retailer adjoining to its first Louisville grocery store would be the first Publix Liquors retailer outdoors Florida.

Publix’s retailer in Lexington can be positioned in The Fountains at Palomar, a brand new growth at Man O’ Warfare Boulevard and Harrodsburg Street. That may place it proper throughout the street from a Walmart, the Lexington Herald Chief reported.

Publix’s determination to broaden its attain into Kentucky brings added competitors to the state’s grocery market, the place chains together with Kroger, Aldi and Meijer already function shops. In February, Hy-Vee confirmed that it, too, would enter the state, beginning with a 150,000-square-foot location in Louisville tentatively set to open in 2023.

Publix can also be locking horns with Kroger in its stronghold of Florida, the place Kroger has began providing grocery supply service in a number of areas utilizing its community of automated achievement facilities. 

Kentucky marks the eighth state for Publix’s footprint. The chain additionally does enterprise in Florida — the place greater than half of its roughly 1,300 shops are positioned — Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.