How long before Publix arrives on Asheville’s crowded grocery store scene?

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Florida-based Publix recently announced plans to open a Charlotte store in 2014. Will Asheville be far behind? We’re already on tap to get a new Harris Teeter and Trader Joe’s on Merrimon Avenue. Toss in Asheville-based Ingles, Earth Fare, Greenlife/Whole Foods, Aldi, Walmart, Target and Amazing Savings. What am I missing?

Here are the basics on Publix from the Charlotte Observer:

Florida-based supermarket company Publix plans to open its first Charlotte store in early 2014, adding a fierce competitor to the region’s upscale grocery market, the retailer said Wednesday.

The store, at Providence Road West and Johnston Road in Ballantyne, is the first step in Publix’s expansion into North Carolina. Publix is the largest new entrant into the Charlotte grocery market in years.

Publix said it plans to expand further in the state. Company executives said Publix will open a Charlotte division, with a divisional vice president and a leadership team based in the city, to oversee the expansion.

The story goes on to quote a grocery store expert as saying that Publix does not enter a market just to be another player – they play to win.

17 Comments

Dan.H January 22, 2015 - 8:08 pm

HellllllllllYeah!!!!!!!! I cant wait for publix to open i am going to work for them! thay are the best top quality products and they are going to bust walmarts ass.Thank God they are coming .Publix where shopping is a pleasure!!!!!!

Jobs? August 7, 2014 - 5:40 am

All these businesses… Where Are The Jobs?

Rumor control: Publix coming to Hendersonville Road in south Asheville May 30, 2013 - 10:03 am

[…] is coming to the old Kmart shopping center on Hendersonville Road near Gerber Village. Last year, Publix announced plans to open a grocery store in Charlotte in 2014. The company made no secret of the fact that it […]

Carol May 25, 2013 - 1:29 pm

I love Publix. It’s the best grocery store around. I have been a Publix shopper in Florida and Atlanta. There’s no better place to shop. An added bonus it that they treat their employees very well.

Word on the street: Publix scouts Asheville April 24, 2013 - 1:53 pm

[…] There are so many questions: Is there a local demand for Publix? Can they cram a Publix on Merrimon Avenue with all the other grocery stores? How many groceries is too many groceries in little ol’ Ashvegas? We’ve wondered out loud before just how long it might be before Publix shows up in Asheville. […]

Jabob September 28, 2012 - 6:02 pm

Publix is a good store, treat their employees well, and any number locations within Asheville would be great for a store!

Eric September 28, 2012 - 1:18 pm

You’re missing Bi-Lo, Lowe’s Foods, French Broad Co-Op, GO Grocery and K-Mart.

It would acually be great to have a Publix in Asheville. They have an awesome deli!!

Jason Sandford September 28, 2012 - 2:32 pm

Thanks Eric!

NFB September 28, 2012 - 1:09 pm

For a town that wants to promote locally owned businesses over chains Asheville sure does seem to long for new chains moving to town:

Trader Joe’s
Chipolte
Nostrum
Costco
Dunkin Donots
Publix

FDR September 28, 2012 - 3:06 pm

Competition is always good for business. Locally owned in Asheville means only being open Banking hours. Marion and Rosman, NC could use some locally owned businesses..

ThePhan September 28, 2012 - 11:59 am

I would disagree that Asheville has a “crowded grocery store scene.” (Unless you live in a neighborhood near North Merrimon and I-240, that is.) There are huge swaths of the county’s population that are served by one traditional supermarket chain, and one only. Bi-Lo and Food Lion no longer have a relevant presence in the market, and Lowe’s Foods has exactly one undersized store here.

It’s easy to focus on specialty retailers like Trader Joe’s, Earth Fare, Greenlife, and Fresh Market, but with the exception of Earth Fare, they all have exactly one location serving pretty much the same part of Asheville (including the Harris Teeter–which will also have only one store here–under construction). And there’s a limit as to how far most people outside north Asheville are willing to drive to shop at those stores on a regular basis.

plastic paddy September 28, 2012 - 8:02 am

Best. Fried Chicken. Ever.

Luis September 27, 2012 - 9:47 pm

Would love to see a Publix in these parts.

imjonnyquest September 27, 2012 - 6:55 pm

hope they come soon. good company that takes care of its employees. cause maybe employees own it? love me some publix!

Linda April 5, 2014 - 6:07 pm

Worked at Publix for 17 years. The Employees put forth extra effort because the employes,share in bonuses that the store gets for doing well. I loved working for Publix. A great place to start at low entry job and work your way up.

Doug Cegelis September 27, 2012 - 6:27 pm

Very interesting. I guess the handshake agreement to stay out of Ingles home state (and vice versa) died with Bob’s passing.

Martha September 27, 2012 - 4:42 pm

Bring it! My grandmother left me stock in Publix.

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