Winn-Dixie Opens New Format

APOPKA, Fla. — Winn-Dixie Stores last week announced the completion of its first “transformational” remodel in the Central Florida region. The store here features a new entrance with a farmers' market-style outdoor area leading into an expanded produce department, according to a release.

The deli and prepared food department has also been expanded to include a wood-burning rotisserie, a carving station, a custom sandwich shop, a chicken wing bar, and a selection of hot entrees and sides, including made-to-order pizza, pastas, fried chicken, barbecue and meatloaf. The area also features 11 different salads, including spinach antipasti and curried couscous.

New additions to other departments include an on-site sushi chef in seafood, an expanded selection of international cheeses staffed by a cheese specialist, a remodeled and expanded pharmacy department with a new wellness center, an upgraded floral department with an assortment of specialty gifts and seasonal merchandise, and a new cafe offering complimentary Wi-Fi access.

The new store also features upgraded decor throughout, including more modern lighting, as well as hardwood flooring in the produce, deli and bakery departments and polished concrete floors in Center Store. “We are excited to deliver on our promise of providing our guests with a fresh, new shopping experience that is fun and imaginative,” Dan Lafever, Winn-Dixie regional vice president, said in the release. “This store exemplifies our commitment to the residents of Apopka and serves as a one-stop grocery destination catering to the needs, tastes and preferences of the surrounding community.”

Speaking at the Barclays Capital Restaurants and Retail Conference this spring, Winn-Dixie Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Lynch told attendees that these new “transformational” remodels cost more than traditional remodels — about $5 million per large store and $3.5 million for smaller stores — but, the new stores are generating sales of $500 per square foot, compared with $300 per square foot at earlier remodels. Fresh food sales also approach 38% or 39% at the new remodels, compared with 31% at traditional remodels.

The Apopka location is the fourth transformational remodel that Winn-Dixie has completed. The company currently has 17 stores scheduled to complete similar renovations this year, according to the release.