Winn-Dixie opens prototype store with expanded grocery departments, pharmacy

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Winn-Dixie Stores on Wednesday opened a prototype store in its existing SaveRite location here featuring everyday low pricing on thousands of items a la Walmart, as well as monthly locked-in specials and special price-drop items in a warehouse format.

“In designing this concept, we spent a great deal of time reviewing our customers’ shopping preferences,” said Dan Portnoy, Winn-Dixie chief merchandising and marketing officer. “We wanted to make sure that the new store would be a true fit for the neighborhoods it serves. … We focused only on those items and services that were most important to our customers, and, as a result, we were able to aggressively cut costs and lower prices throughout the store.”

In addition to enhanced produce and meat departments, the 48,000-square-foot store also has an in-store pharmacy where customers will find 30-day supplies of more than 400 generic drugs for only $3.98 every day. Other features include newly designed warehouse-style shopping carts and popular staple items available for purchase by the case.

SaveRite closed the store Jan. 6, allowing time for associates to work through the afternoon and evening to lower thousands of prices. The company welcomed area leaders and residents to a preview on Tuesday evening where SaveRite donated $5,000 to Paxon Improvement Association. To celebrate the store’s new format, SaveRite will also host a Family Fun Event on Jan. 10.