A new grocery store has opened in Wetumpka, Alabama. Piggly Wiggly Food For Less is now welcoming customers at the former Winn-Dixie location on U.S. Highway 231.
This store has a unique pricing strategy known as “cost plus 10%.” This means shoppers will pay the store’s cost for items, plus an extra 10% at checkout. It’s a family-owned chain based in Panama City, Florida, which purchased three old Winn-Dixie locations in the area.
Winn-Dixie had been a familiar name in the region for many years. However, last fall, the chain announced it would exit Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and parts of Georgia to concentrate on Florida. Despite its long history, Winn-Dixie faced challenges, including dropping store numbers due to stiff competition and multiple bankruptcies.
Local residents are pleased to see a new store opening quickly after Winn-Die’s closure. “It’s very convenient because I don’t live far,” said shopper Dezzie Settles. Many locals echo this sentiment, emphasizing the new store’s accessibility and pricing.
Piggly Wiggly Food For Less plans to open additional stores in Montgomery soon, with locations on Vaughn Road and Mobile Highway undergoing remodeling.
It’s important to note that while the Piggly Wiggly brand is well-known, each store operates independently. This means not all locations use the same pricing model. Some former Winn-Dixie stores have turned into Aldi locations instead. As for Winn-Dixie, it will have about 130 stores left in operation following its exit from these states.
Historically, grocery shopping has evolved significantly, especially during the pandemic. According to recent data, online grocery shopping has surged, with over 50% of consumers trying it for the first time in 2020. This shift has pushed many grocery chains to adapt quickly.
For further insights on grocery market trends, you can explore the recent report by Nielsen.
Overall, the transition in Wetumpka marks an exciting change for local shoppers. The community seems to welcome Piggly Wiggly with open arms.
