First of all it is a new store in a "developing" neighborhood. I can remember when Publix in Colony Plaza was first opened one could go in any time of the day or evening and be relatively alone....and now shoulder to shoulder.
Not sure Sweetbay would ever be that comparably busy but it is in a new area.
Secondly the yoke around the neck that the store is a shortimer and about to be shut down is not exactly a drawing card situation.
The insanity of the whole deal was to complete the Sweetbay build out and now weeks later get ready to tear it all out to make it a Win Dixie. Must be a good story behind that waste of capital expenditure.
In my opinion Winn Dixie will do better than Sweetbay but be much less busy than Publix. Unless WD decides to take Publix head on and be competitive in ALL ASPECTS....which they normally do not.
There must also be an interesting story in the drama some where as to why Publix did not get first shot at Pinellas or if they did, why did they pass? We will only think we know if and when a new Publix store is annonced and where in the new area....somewhere.
btk
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