Exciting news for shoppers! Another former Winn-Dixie is set to reopen as Piggly Wiggly Food For Less. This location on Vaughn Road in Sturbridge will welcome customers on Wednesday at 10 AM after a brief renovation. Originally opened in 1993, it marks a new chapter for this neighborhood grocery.
Just last week, Wetumpka saw its own Piggly Wiggly open, and more are on the way. The Panama City-based chain will soon launch another store on Mobile Highway in Montgomery’s Southlawn area, bringing their total to three in our region.
It’s interesting to note that Piggly Wiggly stores operate independently. Each one might have different owners, leading to a unique shopping experience at every location. They use a “cost +10%” pricing strategy. Shoppers pay the store’s cost for items, plus a 10% markup at checkout.
Meanwhile, the landscape is shifting for Winn-Dixie. The chain is stepping back from Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and most of Georgia to refocus on Florida and southern Georgia, where it has its roots. Over the years, it has faced challenges, including two bankruptcies, leading to a decline in its store count.
As a result, clearance sales are currently active at the Winn-Dixie stores in Millbrook and Opelika, where closures are expected soon. While no buyers have been announced, this indicates a significant shift in the local grocery scene.
Interestingly, a survey by the Food Marketing Institute shows that many consumers are wary of major grocery chains. They prefer local, independent stores for affordability and personal touch. This trend could bode well for Piggly Wiggly as they bring familiar community vibes to their stores.
As shoppers step into these new Piggly Wiggly outlets, they can expect not just competitive prices but a sense of community often lost in larger chains. For further insights on grocery shopping preferences, the Food Marketing Institute offers detailed reports that highlight changing consumer behaviors.
