Publix Super Markets has officially opened its latest store in Gainesville, Georgia, covering 54,964 square feet. This location, part of the Limestone Marketplace, marks a significant expansion for the brand amid its strategic focus on developing new grocery-anchored shopping centers across the Southeast U.S.
Owned by Branch Properties, a real estate investment and development firm based in Atlanta, the Limestone Marketplace represents an ongoing partnership emphasizing grocery-centric retail spaces. Branch Properties has shown significant interest in cultivating retail sites that cater to the grocery sector. In recent news, the firm acquired 9.7 acres in Hinesville, Georgia, set to host another Publix at the Flemington Village development. This center will feature a 46,791-square-foot Publix store, which broke ground recently and is projected to open in the third quarter of 2025.
The strategic placement of Flemington Village near Fort Stewart, the largest military base in the eastern United States, further enhances its appeal. Featuring more than 280,000 acres of land, Fort Stewart represents a strong customer base inclined toward convenience and reliable grocery options. As grocery shopping habits shift due to changing lifestyles and economic factors, this type of strategic placement positions Publix favorably for growth and increased foot traffic.
Branch Properties is busy constructing other Publix-anchored shopping centers across the Southeast, including locations at Rockfish Village in Fayetteville, North Carolina; Triple Crown Shopping Center in Richwood, Kentucky; Braselton Village in Braselton, Georgia; and One Nexton in Summerville, South Carolina, a suburb of Charleston. Moreover, the recently completed Summerhill Station for Publix in Atlanta signifies the firm’s commitment to enhancing Publix’s footprint in key markets.
During September and October, shoppers can expect to see even more new store openings. Key forthcoming dates include September 26 for Bal Harbour Square in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; October 3 for Harbour Place in Jacksonville, Florida; and October 9 for Semmes Village Shopping Center in Semmes, Alabama. These openings reflect Publix’s determination to expand notably in Florida and Alabama, continuing its long-standing relationship with significant local markets.
Interestingly, Publix is also making strides northward into Kentucky. After marking its entry this year with a new store in Louisville, the company aims to tap into the growing demand for high-quality groceries in this region. This expansion not only reflects Publix’s ambition but also highlights the attractiveness of Kentucky’s growing suburban marketplaces.
However, not all news from Publix has been upbeat. The company recently reported a slight decline in profits during the second quarter, attributing this drop partially to the timing of the Easter holiday, which fell into the first fiscal quarter this year instead of the second, as it did the previous year. Net earnings for the quarter stood at $972 million, down 11.4% from the prior year, while earnings per share decreased from 33 cents to 29 cents year-on-year. Despite this, total sales rose to $14.5 billion, indicating an increase of 3.1% from $14.1 billion in 2023. Comparable-store sales, which provide insight into the effectiveness of established locations, also saw a modest 1.1% increase over the three-month period.
As an employee-owned enterprise, Publix boasts a workforce of over 255,000 associates and manages more than 1,300 supermarkets spread across the states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky. The Lakeland, Florida-based company holds a significant position in the grocery retail landscape, being recognized as No. 12 on The PG 100, Progressive Grocer’s 2024 roster of top food and consumables retailers in North America. Furthermore, its recognition as one of the “Retailers of the Century” positions Publix as a stalwart in the grocery industry, continually evolving with consumer demands.
As Publix continues to introduce new shopping venues and expand its geographical reach, the emphasis on strategic locations and customer demographics will be crucial. Partnerships with developers like Branch Properties lay a solid groundwork for future success, indicating that Publix’s model of anchoring shopping centers will remain a focal point in its growth strategy.
By strengthening its presence in both well-established and emerging markets, Publix showcases an unwavering commitment to delivering quality grocery experiences. As the landscape of grocery shopping evolves, it will be intriguing to watch how Publix navigates this competitive terrain.
