LAKELAND, FL - Having just entered the Virginia state market early last month, Publix may be already prepared to enter another. The company has hired a retail broker in Washington D.C., raising speculation that the company will be expanding into the territory for the first time.

Sam Hodges, a Principal at real estate broker KLNB Retail, has been picked up as a new representative of Publix, according to the Washington Business Journal. According to the KLNB website, Hodges focus is on both landlord and tenant representation in the Washington-Baltimore market, with prior clients spanning several retailers such as Wegmans, Safeway, Giant Food Stores, Food Lion, and more.

This isn’t the first hint that Publix has been seeking to enter the region, either. The company had a booth at the International Council of Shopping Centers’ Mid-Atlantic Dealmaking and Conference event last week at National Harbor, MD. This is the first time Publix has had a presence at the event, which connects landlords with potential retailers, says the Washington Business Journal, reporting that the retailer held several meetings with brokers and other conference goers.

When asked by the news source, Publix Media & Community Relations Manager, Kimberly Reynolds, said the chain is looking to open stores throughout Virginia, but would not confirm any specific stores in the Washington D.C. region.

As more news is released about the company’s regional growth, we will continue to provide you with updates.

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