Shopping near the Big Easy just got a little easier

COVINGTON, La. Winn-Dixie Stores on Tuesday celebrated the completion of its brand-new store, the first ground-up new store for the grocer since 2004.

"We are very proud to be able to offer this beautiful store to the neighbors and communities of Covington," stated Winn-Dixie chairman, CEO and president Peter Lynch. "Not only does it provide a best-in-class shopping experience, but it brings 200 new jobs to the area as well."

The 55,000-sq.-ft., state-of-the-art supermarket, located a little north of New Orleans, features a 24-ft. tall open entranceway highlighted by an outdoor farmer's market featuring fresh produce from local growers. The store showcases Winn-Dixie's latest design concepts, including 21,000 sq. ft. of polished wood flooring, 34,000 sq. ft. of stained concrete flooring, and an exposed beam ceiling. At the entrance, a sleek, modern glass-front exterior overarches a covered walkway.

Inside are a host of “enhanced” features, including a full pharmacy department and wellness center; a wine department staffed with a wine steward; and a peanut butter machine, to name a few.

The Covington location also is the first grocery store in Louisiana to receive the Environmental Protection Agency's GreenChill certification. GreenChill is an EPA Partnership with food retailers designed to help reduce refrigerant emissions and decrease the industry's impact on the ozone layer and climate change. Supermarkets that reduce their refrigerant emissions by at least 65% versus the average may receive GreenChill's store certification award. Currently, only 26 supermarkets across the nation have been able to qualify.