Winn-Dixie Cites Progress in Store Remodels

DAVID ORGEL

ORLANDO, Fla. — Winn-Dixie is making progress in retooling stores for a range of customer lifestyles, from ethnic to resort, said Peter Lynch, chairman, president and chief executive officer, in a presentation here.

Lynch, who chaired this year’s Food Marketing Institute Midwinter Executive Conference, told the audience that his company’s gains are coming in stores geared to affluent consumers, resort, Hispanic, Kosher and urban.

“There were a lot of Winn-Dixies in urban markets, and they were neglected,” he said as one example of the company’s recent gains. “Now, we have figured it out.” He cited sales gains in the company’s headquarters market of Jacksonville, Fla., and momentum for the SaveRite banner as examples of improved targeting for markets and neighborhoods.

Lynch also pointed to ongoing growth on the private-label front at Winn-Dixie, noting 22% penetration and the company’s plans to redesign some 3,000 SKUs by the end of 2010.

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