More GreenWise stores coming from Publix

Publix Super Markets Inc. plans to open another three GreenWise Market natural, organic and specialty stores. The company also announced opening time frames for four other locations.

Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix on Thursday named Odessa and Nocatee (Ponte Vedra Beach), Fla., and Lexington, S.C., as sites for new GreenWise stores. No opening timetables have been announced for those locations, which would give the format six stores in Florida and two in South Carolina.

The beverage bar and produce department at the Tallahassee location.

Previously announced GreenWise stores in Mount Pleasant, S.C., and Mountain Brook, Ala., are slated to open this summer, Publix said. For the GreenWise in Mountain Brook, Publix will convert a Western Market supermarket acquired from Western Supermarkets, which is discontinuing operations. Plans call for GreenWise stores slated for Lakeland and Boca Raton, Fla., to open later in 2019.

Other GreenWise Markets are earmarked for Marietta, Ga., and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. No prospective opening dates have been announced. The concept’s first store, a 29,000-square-foot unit, opened on Oct. 4 in Tallahassee, Fla.

“We’re creating a community gathering place where high-quality natural and organic products are the center of what we offer,” Publix President Kevin Murphy said in a statement. “And we’re helping our customers support their healthy lifestyle with convenient in-house prepared meals and grab-and-go options made from organic and antibiotic-free ingredients.”

Related:Publix to buy pair of Western Market stores

Sized at around 25,000 square feet, GreenWise Markets are aimed at customers focused on healthy lifestyles and “foodies” looking to indulge, according to Publix.

Along with a beverage bar serving kombucha, locally roasted coffee, wine, local beer and smoothies, the format offers house-prepared meals and grab-and-go food (made with antibiotic-free meats and organic cheeses and including vegan options); gourmet treats; body care products; natural vitamins and supplements; bulk items; and a selection of local and unique products. Customers also can enroll in GreenWise Market Rewards, a loyalty program provides personalized offers and digital coupons. The rewards can be redeemed only at GreenWise stores.

Publix added that it will continue to seek sites for more GreenWise stores across its Southeastern trade area. Overall, the retailer operates 1,213 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.