Get ready: A new spot for everyday essentials is almost here!

If you’ve ever found yourself humming along to the soft music in the produce aisle, marveling at the sparkling floors, or chatting with a friendly cashier who remembers your name, chances are you’re a Publix fan.

And if you’re not yet, you might be soon—because this beloved Southern grocery chain is on a roll, opening new stores and bringing its signature charm to even more neighborhoods.



Publix: The Southeast’s Best-Kept Secret (That’s Not So Secret Anymore)
Founded way back in 1930, Publix has grown from a single store in Winter Haven, Florida, to a powerhouse with over 1,400 locations across eight Southeastern states. What’s their secret sauce?

Loyal shoppers will tell you it’s a blend of top-notch customer service, impeccably clean stores, and a knack for making grocery shopping feel less like a chore and more like a treat.

Some even say it’s “better than Walgreens”—and that’s high praise in the world of pharmacy-grocery combos!


Screenshot 2025-05-26 at 14.31.18.png
Publix, a popular American grocery and pharmacy chain, is continuing its expansion with a new 47,000-square-foot store opening soon in east Charlotte, employing around 140 staff. Image source: Supermarket News / Youtube.



A New Store Blooms in Charlotte
This week, Publix is cutting the ribbon on its latest outpost at 12925 Albemarle Road in east Charlotte, nestled in the Clear Creek Crossings development.

Spanning a generous 47,000 square feet and creating jobs for about 140 full- and part-time employees, this new store is more than just a place to pick up milk and bread—it’s a sign of Publix’s growing commitment to the Queen City.

And Charlotteans, take note: this isn’t a one-and-done deal. The new Albemarle Road location follows hot on the heels of another recent opening at Carmel Commons Boulevard, marking the 25th Publix in the Charlotte area.

With at least five more stores in the pipeline—including a highly anticipated spot in the Arboretum shopping center and a sleek, urban-format store at 10 Tryon—Publix is clearly aiming to climb the ranks in a city where Food Lion, Harris Teeter, and Walmart currently dominate.



Publix’s Expansion: Not Just a Charlotte Story
While Charlotte is getting plenty of love, Publix’s expansion is a regional affair.

The chain is especially strong in its home state of Florida, where it boasts a jaw-dropping 878 stores.

Recent grand openings in Palm Beach County—one a cozy 33,000-square-foot spot in Boca Raton, the other a sprawling 54,964-square-foot store in Palm Beach Gardens—show that Publix is experimenting with store sizes and formats to fit every community’s needs.


Source: Supermarket News / Youtube.​


And the growth doesn’t stop there. Plans are underway for a massive 55,701-square-foot Publix in the SilverLeaf master-planned community near Jacksonville.

Also, there’s a new “prototype” store in Lakeland, Florida, which promises to shake up the grocery game with expanded deli options (think burrito bowls and a pizza oven!) and a “Pours” area where you can sip a smoothie or acai bowl while you shop. Who says grocery shopping can’t be a little indulgent?



Where Can You Find Publix?
Here’s a quick look at Publix’s current footprint:
  • Alabama: 94 stores
  • Florida: 878 stores
  • Georgia: 219 stores
  • Kentucky: 3 stores
  • North Carolina: 57 stores
  • South Carolina: 70 stores
  • Tennessee: 59 stores
  • Virginia: 24 stores
That’s a lot of green aprons and fresh-baked cookies!


Source: FOX 13 Tampa Bay / Youtube.​


Why the Publix Hype?
If you’re new to the Publix experience, you might wonder what all the fuss is about.

For many, it’s the little things: the legendary Publix subs (affectionately called “Pub Subs”), the free cookies for kids, the helpful staff who’ll walk you to the right aisle, and the sense that you’re shopping somewhere that genuinely cares about its customers and community.

Publix is also employee-owned, which means staff have a real stake in the company’s success. That pride shows up in every interaction, from the bakery counter to the pharmacy window.

The Bigger Picture: Grocery Wars Heat Up
Publix isn’t the only chain with big plans. Target is rolling out new stores “tailored to guests” by 2026, and a budget-friendly rival is opening 21 new locations across 13 states.

The grocery landscape is changing fast, with more choices and better experiences for shoppers everywhere.

Key Takeaways
  • Publix, a popular American grocery and pharmacy chain, is continuing its expansion with a new 47,000-square-foot store opening soon in east Charlotte, employing around 140 staff.
  • The new Charlotte location marks the 25th Publix in the area, and company bosses have confirmed at least five more local stores are already in the works.
  • Publix operates more than 1,400 stores across eight Southeastern US states, with especially strong growth and presence in Florida.
  • The chain is trialing “prototype” stores with expanded deli and drink options, aiming to increase market share in key regions and compete with rivals such as Walgreens, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, and Walmart.

Are you a die-hard Publix fan? Have you tried one of their new prototype stores, or do you have fond memories of your first Pub Sub? Maybe you’re curious about how Publix stacks up against your local favorites. Drop a comment below and join the conversation!
 
Publix is a great supermarket. I find it expensive but if you clip coupons and only buy those items you’re ahead. I don’t see the correlation to Walgreen’s though.

Publix tried a luxury store with gold shopping carts, delicacies in Lake Mary FL 20 years ago. It lasted 1.5 years and closed down. If you like to go shopping for food and enjoy walking all over looking for items (possibly overpaying) this works. The store music is known to be a ploy to keep you shopping.

I prefer delivery from stores …. There’s a membership fee but it really works out. You save money and can get all the sale items. No more lugging heavy food in/out of car/into the house …. Delivery people bring it all inside if you wish. A great way to shop and spend more time doing things I like to do 😀
 
  • Like
Reactions: brenda12759

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Americans over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, The GrayVine is all about helping you make your money go further.

The GrayVine

The GrayVine searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for over 60's. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, we're all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & Fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's America
  5. Money Saving Hacks
  6. Offtopic / Everything else
  7. News & Politics
Share With a Friend
Change Weather Zip code ×
Change Petrol Postcode×