Publix to buy seven area Bi-Lo stores

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CHARLOTTE – Publix‘s venture into the Queen City grocery market has shifted into a downright assault, as the company announced Friday that it will buy seven area Bi-Lo grocery stores.

The Lakeland, Fla.-based grocer has entered into a purchase agreement with Bi-Lo Holdings, the parent company of both Bi-Lo and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, according to a joint release from both companies. The deal is expected to close next month.

According to the release, the BI-LO stores that Publix will buy are the following locations:

• 8120 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, N.C.
• 12810 York Road, Charlotte, N.C.
• 9815 Rose Commons Drive, Huntersville, N.C.
• 158 Highway 274, Lake Wylie, S.C.
• 3110 Fincher Farm Road, Matthews, N.C.
• 1735 Heckle Blvd., Rock Hill, S.C.
• 2186 Cherry Road, Rock Hill, S.C.

The stores will be renovated and the completion dates vary by store, depending on how much work is needed at each location, the release says.

“Publix has a strong financial foundation that allows us to aggressively grow throughout existing markets and our new Charlotte Division,” said Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw in the release. “Publix offers differentiating services we know our customers have come to expect from us like premier service, valuable savings, quality products and knowledgeable associates. We’re excited to continue building life-long relationships with our Carolina customers and communities.”

In addition to the seven soon-to-be acquired stores, Publix’ Charlotte-area presence includes completed stores in Fort Mill and Indian Land, S.C., a store under construction in Ballantyne, and stores planned for Cornelius, Mint Hill and South End.