Publix opens first GreenWise Market store in Georgia

Publix Super Markets today opened its first GreenWise Market in Georgia, marking the seventh location for the specialty, natural and organic food retail concept.

Situated at 3460 Sandy Plains Rd. in the Sandy Plains Marketplace Shopping Center in Marietta, Ga., the 25,089-square-foot store is the third GreenWise outlet opened outside  Florida, with the others in South Carolina and Alabama.

As in the other GreenWise stores, the Marietta location houses “experience zones” of product categories and services. The “CUTS” section offers meat raised with no antibiotics or added hormones, as well as sustainably sourced seafood. In the “EATS” area, customers will find made-to-order meals and grab-and-go foods such as handcrafted gourmet sandwiches and freshly baked pizza. A curated selection of wines and imported cheeses anchors the “FINDS” department, while the “POURS” area offers locally roasted coffee and other beverages that customers can drink in-store. The “CARES” health and wellness section carries vitamins, nutritional supplements, natural soaps and shampoos, and other health and personal care items.

The Marietta GreenWise also features the work of local artist Lillian Blades, a mixed-media mural created with a range of textiles and textures, including mirrors.

Related:Publix opens another GreenWise Market in South Carolina

“At GreenWise Market, customers can find a space to explore new flavors and learn new techniques and recipes from our associates,” Publix President Kevin Murphy said in a statement. “We’re excited to share our unique atmosphere and foods with our Atlanta community.”

Publix said Thursday it plans to open two more GreenWise Markets in Florida this week, ia 25,147-square-foot store in Odessa on June 18 and another in Nocatee (Ponte Vedra) on June 20.

Most recently, in December, Publix opened GreenWise stores in Lakeland (25,483 square feet) and Boca Raton (27,750 square feet), Fla., and in Lexington, S.C. (21,400 square feet).

The first GreenWise Market, a 29,000-square-foot store, opened in Tallahassee, Fla., in October 2018. Publix opened a 21,500-square-foot GreenWise in Mount Pleasant, S.C., in May 2019 and a 28,000-square-foot GreenWise in June 2019 in Mountain Brook, Ala.

Overall, Publix has announced 12 GreenWise locations. Besides the seven opened locations and two others opening this week, the company most recently announced plans to open a GreenWise Market in St. Augustine, the concept’s eighth Florida location, in 2021. The company also plans GreenWise locations for Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa, Fla. The Tampa store is due to open next year, but no opening timetable has been disclosed for the Fort Lauderdale location.

Related:Podcast: Publix’s Curt Epperson says farmers’ plight called for quick response

Targeted at foodies and consumers following healthy lifestyles, GreenWise Markets offer house-made products like smoked meats and sausages, store-prepared meals and to-go food (made with antibiotic-free meats and organic cheeses, and including vegan options); gourmet treats; organic produce; body care products; natural vitamins and supplements; and bulk items. Besides locally roasted coffee, beverage bar offerings include wine, local craft beer, kombucha, tea and smoothies. Customers can eat or drink in the store’s seating area, at the beverage bar or do so as they shop.

In addition, shoppers can enroll in GreenWise Market Rewards, a loyalty program that provides personalized offers and digital coupons. The rewards can be redeemed only at GreenWise stores.

Chainwide, Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix operates 1,242 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.