Winn-Dixie to Discontinue SaveRite

SN STAFF

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Winn-Dixie Stores here said Thursday it would convert all six of its SaveRite discount supermarkets to conventional Winn-Dixie stores and discontinue the SaveRite banner.

"Phasing out the SaveRite banner makes sense and supports Winn-Dixie's neighborhood marketing strategy," said Peter Lynch, Winn-Dixie's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "By aligning all 484 stores under one Winn-Dixie banner, we will be able to ensure a more consistent shopping experience for all of our guests ­ regardless of the type of neighborhood in which we operate."

The six SaveRite locations encompass two in Jacksonville (1012 Edgewood Ave., and 201 W. 48th St.); one in Orlando, Fla. (3201 W. Colonial Dr.); one in Tampa, Fla. (2525 E. Hillsborough Ave.); one in Hattiesburg, Miss. (4400 Hardy St.); and one in Laurel, Miss. (170 Beacon St.).

The conversion from SaveRite to Winn-Dixie will take about four months, and stores will remain open, the company said, adding that all current SaveRite employees will be retained.

Winn-Dixie has owned the SaveRite banner for years, and at one time operated dozens of SaveRite locations. In 2009 the company had sought to revitalize the banner with a new prototype in Jacksonville following its emergence from bankruptcy and its exit from most of its SaveRite locations.