Winn-Dixie opened a new store Oct. 3 at 15560 N.W. U.S. Highway 441 in Alachua, Florida, continuing the grocer’s investment in its home state. A ribbon-cutting ceremony kicked off grand opening festivities that included $500 check presentations to Santa Fe High School and Deeper Purpose Community Church & Outreach Ministries.
The first 100 customers in line received Winn-Dixie mystery gift cards valued between $10 and $100, and the day included DJ entertainment, product sampling, kids’ activities and hourly raffles for prizes including three $500 Winn-Dixie gift cards, a Yeti cooler, a Masterbuilt electric smoker and a Blackstone grill.
The Jacksonville, Florida-based grocer said the store features a modern design with contemporary interior signage that maintains the feel of the company’s 100-year heritage, along with an assortment of Hispanic products in every department, from culturally relevant grocery staples to prepared favorites geared to the preferences of area residents.
Winn-Dixie announced in mid-September, at the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, that it was growing its Hispanic product assortment at 30-plus stores, with additional locations planned. During the monthlong celebration – which ends Oct. 15 – the grocer deployed dedicated in-store displays and special savings in its Florida and south Georgia markets.
Departments in the new Alachua store, which is located in north central Florida and part of the Gainesville market area, include:
- An extensive produce department with organic and Hispanic varieties;
- A dedicated seafood department with fresh seafood on ice and the Seafood Made Easy program of ready-to-cook seafood, vegetables and seasonings;
- A full-service deli with freshly sliced meats and cheeses, self-serve hot foods, sushi made daily, Hispanic favorites such as ropa vieja and sweet plantains, and Winn-Dixie’s Lip Lickin’ Chicken lineup of rotisserie chicken, popcorn chicken and wings;
- A full bakery with fresh breads, pastries and desserts, including Cuban and Puerto Rican rolls and tres leches cakes;
- A complete meat department with USDA Choice selections and Hispanic staples such as flap meat, skirt steak and picanha; and
- A floral department, self-checkout lanes and the retailer’s Own Brand lines, including Essentials, SE Grocers, Prestige and Know & Love, which the company said save customers an average of 20 percent compared to national brands
Winn-Dixie Store Opening • Alachua, Florida
Related: Winn-Dixie Expands Hispanic Assortment At 30+ Stores