Winn-Dixie to Exit Alabama, Refocus on Florida Growth

Winn-Dixie’s parent company has announced it will divest most of its stores in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi to sharpen its focus on Florida and parts of southern Georgia.

According to the announcement, plans are in motion to transfer ownership of 32 Winn-Dixie supermarkets and 8 Harveys locations by early next year. Closures and banner transitions are expected to conclude by the end of 2025.

“As we write our next chapter as The Winn-Dixie Company, we also want to acknowledge the people and communities beyond Florida who have been an integral part of our story,” said Anthony Hucker, Chairman and CEO. “We are profoundly thankful to our associates and customers in these markets … We will do everything we can to support those who supported us, ensuring this transition reflects the gratitude and respect they deserve.”

Beginning in early 2026, the company will be rebranded as The Winn-Dixie Company, unifying its branding under a single banner and signaling a renewed emphasis on its Florida base.

Several stores in central Alabama are already slated for change. For example, the Winn-Dixie on East Main Street in Prattville is set to become a Piggly Wiggly. Earlier this year, some Alabama locations—such as those in Selma and Auburn—were converted to Aldi under a previous agreement.

To soften the blow, Winn-Dixie says it is working closely with the buyers of the stores to maintain staffing. “Many of the stores are being sold to retailers with similar grocery models, which means they’ll have comparable staffing needs … eligible associates who are unable to secure a position … will receive severance,” the company said.

Originally founded over 100 years ago and known as “The Beef People”, Winn-Dixie has viewed Florida as its home market. The new restructuring pursues that heritage while reallocating resources into growth there.

Post-transition, the company expects to operate around 130 conventional grocery stores along with 140 liquor or adjacent liquor outlets. It will maintain presence in parts of southern Georgia, such as Brunswick, Folkston, Lake Park, St. Simons Island, and Valdosta.

Dozens of store remodels and new construction projects are already in motion in Florida. Meanwhile, most of the divested locations are expected to be acquired by grocers that can absorb the existing footprint.

For residents in Alabama, Winn-Dixie’s departure marks the end of a longstanding local presence. The company says that each of its former stores employs about 80 people—a number that underscores the transition’s effect on local employment.

Still, the company is stressing it will aim for a smooth exit. “We recognize that these changes affect people first,” a company statement read.

A full list of stores affected is available HERE.