LAKELAND, FL - After reporting a sales boost in its Q1 report this past May and expanding its Florida-based GreenWise Markets into Georgia, Publix has been making moves in the grocery sector. Fresh off being named the second most popular chain in the U.S., the retailer’s latest move involves entering into an agreement to purchase three Florida stores from Safeway.

“Publix continues to look for ways to expand within our operating area to better serve our customers,” commented CEO & President Todd Jones in a company press release. “We are excited for this opportunity to acquire existing stores within our home state.”

The three locations plan to continue operating as Safeway stores until early September.

Publix noted that impacted Safeway employees are encouraged to pursue job opportunities at Publix and will be provided with details on how to apply for employment. The company expects all locations to have grand opening dates within the fourth quarter of this year.

Will Publix start acquiring more Florida-based stores? Will its outreach further extend into the Sunshine State? Will these Safeways be a similar format to its organic, natural, specialty foods format? As questions swirl around this news, AndNowUKnow will make sure you know the latest deets.

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