Amidst tightening competition in the buy-side segment, Winn-Dixie has unveiled a new strategy to put it closer to the forefront of consumer interest. Under the direction of Southeastern Grocers CEO Ian McLeod, the chain is looking to remodel with five new prospective models.
One of these prospective models has launched another prototype in South Tampa, FL. The first of this specific format was implemented in February at a location in Jacksonville.
“In the past, Winn-Dixie wasn’t known for its cleanliness or quality,” stated McLeod, according to TBO.com. “The biggest difference in the U.S. compared to other countries is the diversity. There’s such a large spread between income levels, tastes, and ethnicities. We can’t reach them all in one way.”
McLeod took over the Winn-Dixie and Bi-Lo banners in 2015, and spent the first few months of his position focusing on improved cleanliness, and then reviewed area demographics to further answer consumer needs.
For the South Tampa location, these needs included expanded seafood, bakery, and meat departments, which offer consumers fresh cuts, dry-aged meats, freshly-made bread, and more.
The remodeled 46,000-square-foot location has a new and cleaner modern look which consumers have not yet seen as part of the Winn-Dixie chain. The store also offers shoppers a kitchen, café, and expanded produce section. These additions were based off of company research and Southeastern Grocers customer surveys.
“The grocery industry is very competitive,” McLeod continued. “The only way to compete effectively is to be able to adapt and to change with the trends. A lot of the new competition coming into Florida is very niche. We offer customers a full shopping experience, and we’ve changed our product range to give them the brands and the items they want.”
McLeod further stated that the each new pilot store will be reviewed and assessed as they launch in new cities, to further hone which of the five formats works best with each demographic. These formats were formed to attract every type of shopper the chain is looking for, rather than just a one-size-fits-all standard.
As the chain continues to remodel and revamp its locations, Deli Market News will have the latest on its impact.
