The Aldi store conversion begins as Winn-Dixie closes in Florida

A Winn-Dixie store in Lakeland, Fla., recently served its final customers, and 48 workers were impacted, reports the Business Observer.

Aldi will arrive at the site by early 2025, and according to the Florida Department of Commerce’s Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification site, former Winn-Dixie employees can apply for new jobs with Aldi.

An Aldi spokesperson said the retailer worked diligently with Southeastern Grocers to provide support and opportunities for each associate, including providing the first opportunity to apply to roles at the newly converted Aldi store or remain with Winn-Dixie and transfer to a neighboring store prior to the their store closing. 

The Lakeland location is one of about 50 Winn-Dixie stores that will be transitioned to Aldi stores during the second half of 2024.

Aldi announced it was acquiring Southeastern Grocers’ Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores — a total of 400 locations across five states — back in August 2023.

At the time, Aldi did not indicate how many of the new stores would carry the Aldi banner. CEO Jason Hart said the retailer would evaluate which Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores would convert to the Aldi format.

“For the stores we do convert, we’re committed to making the process a positive and seamless one for everyone involved,” said Hart in an exclusive interview with Supermarket News. “Aldi completes a high volume of store openings and remodels year after year, positioning us well for a smooth transition.”

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Hart also said the conversion would be done over the course of several years.