New Winn Dixie

[Papa_lecki]

To continue the wonderful posts about shopping and grocery stores in the various parts of the Villages, Winn Dixie is building a new store on 466A, at Micro Race Track Rd.

By my count, there are 4 grocery stores within a mile of that intersection on 466A, not counting the 2 Publix on 44.

Why not put the new store in the South area?

[drcar]

To continue the wonderful posts about shopping and grocery stores in the various parts of the Villages, Winn Dixie is building a new store on 466A, at Micro Race Track Rd.

By my count, there are 4 grocery stores within a mile of that intersection on 466A, not counting the 2 Publix on 44.

Why not put the new store in the South area?

Winn Dixie is going on private land, why not ask Winn Dixie about the location placement?

[retiredguy123]

To continue the wonderful posts about shopping and grocery stores in the various parts of the Villages, Winn Dixie is building a new store on 466A, at Micro Race Track Rd.

By my count, there are 4 grocery stores within a mile of that intersection on 466A, not counting the 2 Publix on 44.

Why not put the new store in the South area?
Huh? Publix, Walmart, and now a new Winn Dixie. What is the fourth one within a mile?

[JSR22]

Huh? Publix, Walmart, and now a new Winn Dixie. What is the fourth one within a mile?

Aldi's

[Dusty_Star]

Aldi's
Isn't Aldi's about 3 miles away?

[JSR22]

Isn't Aldi's about 3 miles away?

Trailwinds has Publix, Aldi's and Winn Dixie across the street. Walmart is right across the street from Colony a lot of markets in a small area and only one across 44.

[retiredguy123]

Aldi's
Aldi's is more than 4 miles away.

[JSR22]

Aldi's is more than 4 miles away.

It's 3 miles. The point people are making is on 466A 2 Publix, Aldi's, Walmart and now 2 Winn Dixies. under 10 minutes apart. I live closer to the Colony Publix, but shop at the Tailwind's Publix because there aren't any golf carts in the lot.

[retiredguy123]

It's 3 miles. The point people are making is on 466A 2 Publix, Aldi's, Walmart and now 2 Winn Dixies. under 10 minutes apart. I live closer to the Colony Publix, but shop at the Tailwind's Publix because there aren't any golf carts in the lot.
I get the point, and I agree with it.

But, not to be nit picky, according to Google Maps, from the intersection of 466A and Micro Race Track Rd. to Aldi's is 4 miles.

[Papa_lecki]

Huh? Publix, Walmart, and now a new Winn Dixie. What is the fourth one within a mile?

Publix and Winn Dixie down in Pinellas and Trailwinds - it’s 4 to5 miles, but its close. Throw in the Winn Dixie in LSL, 5 miles, and its 5 within a 10 minute drive

Publix in Lake Deaton is 6
Publix in Traverse Plaza is 7
I forgot about the Aldi in Trailwinds, so it’s 8.

[JSR22]

I get the point, and I agree with it.

But, not to be nit picky, according to Google Maps, from the intersection of 466A and Micro Race Track Rd. to Aldi's is 4 miles.

Please stop nit picking. There are 5 markets in close proximity and now there will be 6.

[davem4616]

I agree that the southern section of TV could use more grocery stores in their area.

These big corporations do a lot of marketing analysis before committing to a new site. Not uncommon to see gas stations on at least 3 corners of an intersection. CVS and Walgreen always seem to be close. When a McDonald's moves in you can bet Wendy's and Burger King are coming too.

Maybe the data they're looking at is dated given the rapid growth in TV....but they must have had enough positive information to commit to that locale.

[Rainger99]

To continue the wonderful posts about shopping and grocery stores in the various parts of the Villages, Winn Dixie is building a new store on 466A, at Micro Race Track Rd.

By my count, there are 4 grocery stores within a mile of that intersection on 466A, not counting the 2 Publix on 44.

Why not put the new store in the South area?

I thought the exact same thing when I read about the new WD. I don't know why you would put a new grocery store in that area. There are an abundance of grocery stores near 466A. This new store store is less than a mile from Walmart.

The only store south of 44 is the Publix at Magnolia. There is another Publix just north of 44 at Lake Deaton Plaza. Publix is notoriously expensive.

Why Is Publix So Expensive? (Top 10 Reasons) (https://www.thecoldwire.com/why-is-publix-so-expensive/)

I would think that the first discount grocery store (Walmart, Aldi, Lidl, Costco), down in the "new section" would have a monopoly. People would flock there.

[vintageogauge]

They're building there because of all the new family housing that is going up in that area, the housing that all the residents are objecting to because of the traffic situation. There will be more grocery stores south of 44, most likely they are already in the works but not ready to publicize until they are done deals. I read a long time ago that Sumterville was going to be the retail center of the south, take a ride down there and go west on 470 and while looking at the thousands of acres between 301 and I-75 think retail.

[Babubhat]

More concerned with traffic issues at that intersection.

[tophcfa]

Tap the brakes on being excited about a WInn Dixie, Publix hands down blows them away. We only use WD for stuff like some milk or eggs in a pinch.

[Jayhawk]

I don't know why you would put a new grocery store in that area.

If you build it, they will come.

[P A Paul]

A page from Yogi Berra. “Nobody goes there; it’s too crowded.”
Thus WD on Pinellas is great because it never is. And WM after 7 pm is never crowded either

[retiredguy123]

Tap the brakes on being excited about a WInn Dixie, Publix hands down blows them away. We only use WD for stuff like some milk or eggs in a pinch.
I agree. I go to Publix almost every day.

I only go to Winn Dixie for their small generic pizzas that used to cost one dollar, and now are $1.49, and Utz thick pretzels, which Publix doesn't carry.

[Stu from NYC]

I thought the exact same thing when I read about the new WD. I don't know why you would put a new grocery store in that area. There are an abundance of grocery stores near 466A. This new store store is less than a mile from Walmart.

The only store south of 44 is the Publix at Magnolia. There is another Publix just north of 44 at Lake Deaton Plaza. Publix is notoriously expensive.

Why Is Publix So Expensive? (Top 10 Reasons) (https://www.thecoldwire.com/why-is-publix-so-expensive/)

I would think that the first discount grocery store (Walmart, Aldi, Lidl, Costco), down in the "new section" would have a monopoly. People would flock there.

They would until they get competition. Would love to see a lidl here but think that is years away

[laboutj]

I agree. I go to Publix almost every day.

I only go to Winn Dixie for their small generic pizzas that used to cost one dollar, and now are $1.49, and Utz thick pretzels, which Publix doesn't carry.

I'm the opposite. Prefer WD to Publix for everything except meat and deli. Walmart grocery is my go-to however.

[Stu from NYC]

I'm the opposite. Prefer WD to Publix for everything except meat and deli. Walmart grocery is my go-to however.

Publix produce looks very nice but Sams is better and much cheaper to boot.

[Carla B]

They're building there because of all the new family housing that is going up in that area, the housing that all the residents are objecting to because of the traffic situation. There will be more grocery stores south of 44, most likely they are already in the works but not ready to publicize until they are done deals. I read a long time ago that Sumterville was going to be the retail center of the south, take a ride down there and go west on 470 and while looking at the thousands of acres between 301 and I-75 think retail.

I agree. There is a large trade area outside The Villages. I imagine a lot of people from Pennbrooke and Fruitland Park shop in The Villages, since the only supermarkets in Leesburg proper are an old Publix and the super Walmart on Citrus.

[HeleneGB]

Aldis

[Luggage]

I am sure Winn-Dixie will try to get a new store in the new part of the villages but obviously there is a lot of competition where they're putting a store now and it's definitely a multi-million dollar capital expense so I would be very happy to see that near me. Capitalism at its finest

[Luggage]

Leesburg has a Save-A-Lot, an Aldis, Walmart, an oriental grocery store, three Publix, and a ton of dollar stores that sell groceries as well as Winn-Dixie in the North end. In central Leesburg there is really no other place to build a large box store right now for another supermarket but we are well served and actually have several fresh fish stores as well, wine shops also and several ABC liquor stores,

[bowlingal]

It would be nice if another grocery store opened here in the villages....not Publix or Win-Dixie. Something different. I don't care what it is, just something new.

[Rainger99]

It would be nice if another grocery store opened here in the villages....not Publix or Win-Dixie. Something different. I don't care what it is, just something new.
Like a Wegmans??

[Mrmean58]

Please stop nit picking. There are 5 markets in close proximity and now there will be 6.
Maybe because the new Winn Dixie location is close to the town of Fruitland Park which doesn't have a major grocery store nearby. It can serve those outside TV too. It's not always just about those on campus.

[Stu from NYC]

Like a Wegmans??

Do not think another high price grocery would work here but would love to get a lidl.

[WingedFoot78]

Think Whole Foods. Where are the closest WFM's to the Villages - Orlando, Gainesville, Tampa, or maybe Ocala?

[Sandy and Ed]

Please stop nit picking. There are 5 markets in close proximity and now there will be 6.
I have 6. Do I hear 7? 6 going for 7. 7 anyone?? Sold to the gentleman for 6. Now here is another offering: Distance! Let’s open with 2 miles. Do I hear 3 miles. Thank you. Now 3 going for 4………

[daca55]

I heard the Winn Dixie at Pinellas is closing

[Sandy and Ed]

Tap the brakes on being excited about a WInn Dixie, Publix hands down blows them away. We only use WD for stuff like some milk or eggs in a pinch.
Three things you should never discuss here: religion, politics and Winn-Dixie vs Publix

[Bill14564]

It would be nice if another grocery store opened here in the villages....not Publix or Win-Dixie. Something different. I don't care what it is, just something new.

Would an Aldis or a Walmart Neighborhood Market or a BJs work?

[dyendell]

466a? Why not south of 44?

[mlmarr]

To continue the wonderful posts about shopping and grocery stores in the various parts of the Villages, Winn Dixie is building a new store on 466A, at Micro Race Track Rd.

By my count, there are 4 grocery stores within a mile of that intersection on 466A, not counting the 2 Publix on 44.

Why not put the new store in the South area?

plus thousands of new people arriving daily.. winter birds ready to fly and all resources are needed..

[davefin]

Ah, all the choices, and close by too!

[Bay Kid]

I heard the Winn Dixie at Pinellas is closing

I hope not. They have good wings.

[KimmieK]

I hope not. They have good wings.

…and it’s golfcar accessible. Publix at Trailwinds is not, nor will the new W-D be “in” The Villages.

[KAM+6]

466a? Why not south of 44?

Agree, but that's a question for Winn Dixie. Has nothing to do with "The developer," it's outside TV

[Rzepecki]

I get the point, and I agree with it.

But, not to be nit picky, according to Google Maps, from the intersection of 466A and Micro Race Track Rd. to Aldi's is 4 miles.

Aldi
Aldi
Aldi

[Tvflguy]

I heard the Winn Dixie at Pinellas is closing

“I heard”. Those are two words that requires much more detailed information…

[Rainger99]

In 2021, USA Today picked the following stores as the top 10 supermarkets.

I have not heard of many of them. Any people have experience with some of the obscure ones??

The Fresh Market
Hy-Vee
Lidl
Market Basket
ALDI
Stew Leonard's
Publix
Sprouts Farmers Market
Wegmans Food Markets
Trader Joe's

[Bill14564]

In 2021, USA Today picked the following stores as the top 10 supermarkets.

I have not heard of many of them. Any people have experience with some of the obscure ones??

The Fresh Market
Hy-Vee
Lidl
Market Basket
ALDI
Stew Leonard's
Publix
Sprouts Farmers Market
Wegmans Food Markets
Trader Joe's

I've been in five of them. Some are only found in certain areas: Publix near Florida, Wegman's near NY.

[jnieman]

Huh? Publix, Walmart, and now a new Winn Dixie. What is the fourth one within a mile?

We mostly shop at Walmart Neighborhood Market for the good prices. Publix every now and again for meats. I was wondering where Winn Dixie lies with prices. Are they more or less than Walmart? Are they as expensive as Publix?

[tophcfa]

In 2021, USA Today picked the following stores as the top 10 supermarkets.

I have not heard of many of them. Any people have experience with some of the obscure ones??

The Fresh Market
Hy-Vee
Lidl
Market Basket
ALDI
Stew Leonard's
Publix
Sprouts Farmers Market
Wegmans Food Markets
Trader Joe's

Fresh Market and Publix are our go to’s in the Villages (along with Lighthouse Seafood on 466). Up north it’s The Big Y, Trader Joe’s, and Costco. We like Market Basket, but it’s too long of a drive to be a go to for us. We have tried ALDI, but find it to be low quality. Looking forward to trying out Sprouts when it opens in the Villages, it will be golf cart accessible off Par Drive. All that being said, our favorite is local farmers markets. It totally sucks that there is no longer a weekly farmers market at Spanish Springs, we very much miss that (especially the fresh fish vendor).

[maistocars]

It must be a tax write-off or something for them to even think they can make money over there on that corner. Not too many people shop at the Winn Dixie near Sumpter Landing so I question why they would build there?

[Kgcetm]

It is.

[LuvtheVillages]

In 2021, USA Today picked the following stores as the top 10 supermarkets.

I have not heard of many of them. Any people have experience with some of the obscure ones??

The Fresh Market
Hy-Vee
Lidl
Market Basket
ALDI
Stew Leonard's
Publix
Sprouts Farmers Market
Wegmans Food Markets
Trader Joe's

When we visit family in Iowa, we use Hy-Vee. It's a wonderful store, but they are not in this part of the country.

[Rainger99]

As a general rule, WD is cheaper than Publix - more expensive than Walmart.

[Garywt]

In 2021, USA Today picked the following stores as the top 10 supermarkets.

I have not heard of many of them. Any people have experience with some of the obscure ones??

The Fresh Market
Hy-Vee
Lidl
Market Basket
ALDI
Stew Leonard's
Publix
Sprouts Farmers Market
Wegmans Food Markets
Trader Joe's
Market Basket is a Massachusetts/New England store, Sprouts is building or has built in The Villages. Publix and Wegmans have an agreement to stay out of each other’s territory. I am not a fan of Wegmans.

[justjim]

True - so far only one supermarket across 44. There will be more in the future. If you count Lake Deaton Plaza Publix just across the golf cart bridge that would be two, but technically there isn’t any between 44 and the Turnpike. Village Developer has bought most of the property south of 44. Trailwinds properties is not being developed by The Villages Developer.

[justjim]

We mostly shop at Walmart Neighborhood Market for the good prices. Publix every now and again for meats. I was wondering where Winn Dixie lies with prices. Are they more or less than Walmart? Are they as expensive as Publix?

WD has better meat so some people say. A lot of people shop several stores WD, Publix, Aldi and Walmart for their “specials”. It’s sort of a “game” which I don’t play but to each their own.

[justjim]

In 2021, USA Today picked the following stores as the top 10 supermarkets.

I have not heard of many of them. Any people have experience with some of the obscure ones??

The Fresh Market
Hy-Vee
Lidl
Market Basket
ALDI
Stew Leonard's
Publix
Sprouts Farmers Market
Wegmans Food Markets
Trader Joe's

Hy-Vee is a great supermarket. Use to shop there when it was available to us at a former residence.

[Papa_lecki]

True - so far only one supermarket across 44. There will be more in the future. If you count Lake Deaton Plaza Publix just across the golf cart bridge that would be two, but technically there isn’t any between 44 and the Turnpike. Village Developer has bought most of the property south of 44. Trailwinds properties is not being developed by The Villages Developer.

The people that makes decisions on where to open a store is the real estate group of the company coming in, not the developer. The developer has the real estate and contacts at places like Winn Dixie and Publix and Walmart, etc, those company’s real estate group looks at the potential market and decides where/when to open.

Winn Dixie decided it was better to open their next store on 466A.

[champion6]

It would be nice if another grocery store opened here in the villages....not Publix or Win-Dixie. Something different. I don't care what it is, just something new.A new Sprouts Farmers Market is to be finished in January. Construction is underway at the corner of CR 466 and Buena Vista Blvd.

[jnieman]

As a general rule, WD is cheaper than Publix - more expensive than Walmart.
Thank you. This will be convenient for us. Sometimes Walmart can be frustrating to shop at. They run out of many things and it's hard to get everything there. Not wanting to spend overprice at Publix.

[DALEPQ]

Sorry, like it or not, these are business decisions, not for T.V. residents to make.

[Rainger99]

Sorry, like it or not, these are business decisions, not for T.V. residents to make.

I think everyone agrees that it is a business decision. But it seems like a bad decision to open in an area that is saturated with grocery stores. If I were opening a Burger King, I would not want to open it near a McDonald’s. Instead I would open it in an area where there were no fast food stores!!

[Bill14564]

I think everyone agrees that it is a business decision. But it seems like a bad decision to open in an area that is saturated with grocery stores. If I were opening a Burger King, I would not want to open it near a McDonald’s. Instead I would open it in an area where there were no fast food stores!!

Imagine how successful they would be if they ran all their ideas through the experts in the Villages rather than continuing the way they have done things in the past.

[ThirdOfFive]

When we visit family in Iowa, we use Hy-Vee. It's a wonderful store, but they are not in this part of the country.
Agreed.

I think Hy-Vee originated in Iowa but they grew swiftly. They're a success wherever they put in a store because they're not only dedicated to quality but to choice: if they don't have something they'll order it for you. Their newer stores seem to want to make shopping an "experience" rather than just a chore; there are Starbuck's shops, buffet dining and other amenities on-site.

They are very consumer-oriented and their customer service is second to none. I make a lot of sausage, or did when I was in Minnesota. Polish sausage demands a lot of pork fat in the recipe and it is practically impossible to buy pork with enough fat. I talked to the butcher at our local Hy-Vee. He said that they didn't sell it but what he would save up the trimmings for me. He asked me to come back in a couple of days. I did, and he handed me a little over ten pounds of pork fat. No charge.

The Hy-Vee we shopped at in Southern MN had a quirky thing where out of the blue, for no discernable reason, something would go on sale at a ridiculously low price. Cabbage for 13 cents a pound, for example. Hamburger for 99 cents a pound (limit 3 lbs per customer). Buy two steaks and get a 5 lb. bag of potatoes for free. Things like that. You never knew what would go on sale, or when, and the sales themselves seemed to last only a couple of hours, but it was fun when it happened.

I'd like to see them down here. They do it right.

[Stu from NYC]

Agreed.

I think Hy-Vee originated in Iowa but they grew swiftly. They're a success wherever they put in a store because they're not only dedicated to quality but to choice: if they don't have something they'll order it for you. Their newer stores seem to want to make shopping an "experience" rather than just a chore; there are Starbuck's shops, buffet dining and other amenities on-site.

They are very consumer-oriented and their customer service is second to none. I make a lot of sausage, or did when I was in Minnesota. Polish sausage demands a lot of pork fat in the recipe and it is practically impossible to buy pork with enough fat. I talked to the butcher at our local Hy-Vee. He said that they didn't sell it but what he would save up the trimmings for me. He asked me to come back in a couple of days. I did, and he handed me a little over ten pounds of pork fat. No charge.

The Hy-Vee we shopped at in Southern MN had a quirky thing where out of the blue, for no discernable reason, something would go on sale at a ridiculously low price. Cabbage for 13 cents a pound, for example. Hamburger for 99 cents a pound (limit 3 lbs per customer). Buy two steaks and get a 5 lb. bag of potatoes for free. Things like that. You never knew what would go on sale, or when, and the sales themselves seemed to last only a couple of hours, but it was fun when it happened.

I'd like to see them down here. They do it right.

Sounds like a great store

[JSR22]

Market Basket is a Massachusetts/New England store, Sprouts is building or has built in The Villages. Publix and Wegmans have an agreement to stay out of each other’s territory. I am not a fan of Wegmans.

Sprouts is building on 466 and Buena Vista the planned opening is January 2023.Publix and Wegmans are located in North Carolina and Virginia. I am a huge fan of Wegmans. I would be delighted if they came here.

[petiteone]

Tap the brakes on being excited about a WInn Dixie, Publix hands down blows them away. We only use WD for stuff like some milk or eggs in a pinch.

I have learned to love Publix and think it is almost as good as my fav Wegmans. There was a group of corporate guys interviewing Publix shoppers a number of years ago and I complained that they didn't have a brand of Yogurt I like. I told them Wegmans carries it, and the head of the group came over to me and asked me more questions. They now carry it! Wegmans is hard to beat.

[JSR22]

I have learned to love Publix and think it is almost as good as my fav Wegmans. There was a group of corporate guys interviewing Publix shoppers a number of years ago and I complained that they didn't have a brand of Yogurt I like. I told them Wegmans carries it, and the head of the group came over to me and asked me more questions. They now carry it! Wegmans is hard to beat.
I do miss Wegmans. Especially the cheese dept, fish counter and butcher.

[richdell]

Agreed.

I think Hy-Vee originated in Iowa but they grew swiftly. They're a success wherever they put in a store because they're not only dedicated to quality but to choice: if they don't have something they'll order it for you. Their newer stores seem to want to make shopping an "experience" rather than just a chore; there are Starbuck's shops, buffet dining and other amenities on-site.

They are very consumer-oriented and their customer service is second to none. I make a lot of sausage, or did when I was in Minnesota. Polish sausage demands a lot of pork fat in the recipe and it is practically impossible to buy pork with enough fat. I talked to the butcher at our local Hy-Vee. He said that they didn't sell it but what he would save up the trimmings for me. He asked me to come back in a couple of days. I did, and he handed me a little over ten pounds of pork fat. No charge.

The Hy-Vee we shopped at in Southern MN had a quirky thing where out of the blue, for no discernable reason, something would go on sale at a ridiculously low price. Cabbage for 13 cents a pound, for example. Hamburger for 99 cents a pound (limit 3 lbs per customer). Buy two steaks and get a 5 lb. bag of potatoes for free. Things like that. You never knew what would go on sale, or when, and the sales themselves seemed to last only a couple of hours, but it was fun when it happened.

I'd like to see them down here. They do it right.

We shopped at Hy-Vee all the time when we lived in the Kansas City area. Great store.

[laryb]

In 2021, USA Today picked the following stores as the top 10 supermarkets.

I have not heard of many of them. Any people have experience with some of the obscure ones??

The Fresh Market
Hy-Vee
Lidl
Market Basket
ALDI
Stew Leonard's
Publix
Sprouts Farmers Market
Wegmans Food Markets
Trader Joe's
I've been to Fresh Market, Market Basket, Aldi, Publix and Trader Joe's, and all are fine. For me, Market Basket is the best, and yes, I know they'll never come to Florida. It's not fancy, and it can get crowded, but their selections are huge, excellent meats, deli, produce and really low prices. Their hot food and sub dept. is awesome. If you're ever in New England, stop in and grab a sirloin tip with onion and pepper sub.

[NAB20]

Maybe because the new Winn Dixie location is close to the town of Fruitland Park which doesn't have a major grocery store nearby. It can serve those outside TV too. It's not always just about those on campus.
Right, Fruitland Park does not have a large grocery store and there was a recent announcement of a very large apartment complex of over 500 units being built where the closed barbecue restaurant on 466A now stands. WD is looking toward the future.

[KimmieK]

Sprouts is building on 44 and the the planned opening is January 2023.Publix and Wegmans are located in North Carolina and Virginia. I am a huge fan of Wegmans. I would be delighted if they came here.

Sprouts is being built on 466 and Buena Vista.

[JSR22]

Sprouts is being built on 466 and Buena Vista.

Sprouts is being built on 466 and Buena Vista. I corrected my post. The building is going up quickly.

[asianthree]

So new Winn Dixie will not be on developer property?

[retiredguy123]

So new Winn Dixie will not be on developer property?
No. It will be on the northeast corner of the intersection of Micro Racetrack Rd and Rt. 466A (Miller Blvd).

[retiredguy123]

I do miss Wegmans. Especially the cheese dept, fish counter and butcher.
In my opinion, nothing in The Villages compares to a Wegmans.

[Stu from NYC]

So new Winn Dixie will not be on developer property?

Are any supermarkets on developer property? Low margin business has to be careful on rents

[JSR22]

In my opinion, nothing in The Villages compares to a Wegmans.

Totally agree.

[tophcfa]

Are any supermarkets on developer property? Low margin business has to be careful on rents

But golf cart accessibility brings in significantly more traffic flow, so it’s a trade off between volume and expenses.

[JSR22]

Are any supermarkets on developer property? Low margin business has to be careful on rents

Every supermarket that is golf cart accessible is on Village's property.

[Stu from NYC]

Every supermarket that is golf cart accessible is on Village's property.

Good point.

[billethkid]

But golf cart accessibility brings in significantly more traffic flow, so it’s a trade off between volume and expenses.

Maybe.
I was at BJ's this morning.
Row after row of empty spaces at the head of each parking lane.....all empty.....all with a sign "Golf Carts Only".

__________________________________________
:censored:

[Rainger99]

Every supermarket that is golf cart accessible is on Village's property.

So the Publix and the McDonald's in Magnolia are rented from the Villages? Does anyone know who built the buildings - was it the developer or the tenant? I have no experience in commercial real estate but I would hate to pay for the construction of a building that is owned by the landlord.

[Papa_lecki]

So the Publix and the McDonald's in Magnolia are rented from the Villages? Does anyone know who built the buildings - was it the developer or the tenant? I have no experience in commercial real estate but I would hate to pay for the construction of a building that is owned by the landlord.

Developer builds the buildings. Just like all the real estate in the squares and all the other commercial real estate (i.e. The Plaza’s) that is golf course accessible.
A store like McDonalds will give the developer their specs for a building, but the owner of the real estate arranges for it to be built.

[tophcfa]

Maybe.
I was at BJ's this morning.
Row after row of empty spaces at the head of each parking lane.....all empty.....all with a sign "Golf Carts Only".

__________________________________________
:censored:

Places like BJ’s and Costco, where savings are had by buying in bulk, don’t lend themselves well to the limited cargo space in golf carts. Places like Publix and Winn Dixie, when only buying groceries for two older people, are prefect for golf carts equipped with a large cargo bag that attaches to where the golf clubs go.

[Rainger99]

Developer builds the buildings. Just like all the real estate in the squares and all the other commercial real estate (i.e. The Plaza’s) that is golf course accessible.
A store like McDonalds will give the developer their specs for a building, but the owner of the real estate arranges for it to be built.
Thanks for the explanation.

[asianthree]

We throw our Yeti in the back end, and off we go to Gainesville..Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, great restaurants. Nice trip away especially in the summer when UF has very little students on campus

[Aloha1]

It must be a tax write-off or something for them to even think they can make money over there on that corner. Not too many people shop at the Winn Dixie near Sumpter Landing so I question why they would build there?

Yeah, nobody goes there any more. It's too crowded.

[Bogie Shooter]

Good point.

Duh!

[Laker14]

It must be a tax write-off or something for them to even think they can make money over there on that corner. Not too many people shop at the Winn Dixie near Sumpter Landing so I question why they would build there?

A tax write off? Are you imagining that the people who run WD have a plan to open a store that they believe will lose money, intentionally, so they can "write off" their losses against the profits of profitable stores?

[MSchad]

So new Winn Dixie will not be on developer property?
No. It will be on the northeast corner of the intersection of Micro Racetrack Rd and Rt. 466A (Miller Blvd).
It will be interesting to compare pricing to those on Villages property.

[JSR22]

It will be interesting to compare pricing to those on Villages property.

Publix in Trailwinds has the same prices as Publix in Colony. I doubt there will be a difference in for the 2 Winn Dixies.

[Speedie]

466a? Why not south of 44?

All the $$ is around 466a

[Laker14]

We started snowbirding in 2019. Our first rental was in Sabal Chase, then Hemmingway, and we bought in Poinciana. We really appreciated how little traffic there was on 466A, but we knew it couldn't last.
I think our first winter, Lowe's was open and running, but I don't think the Trailwinds Publix was. But we could see the handwriting on the wall. With the non-Villages developments behind and around Trailwinds, we knew it was a matter of time before more commercial development would pop up on 466A.

I'm not complaining. I'll be using those establishments just like most everyone else, but it was sweet while it lasted.

[coffeebean]

I heard the Winn Dixie at Pinellas is closing

Really? Where did you hear that?

[coffeebean]

Agreed.

I think Hy-Vee originated in Iowa but they grew swiftly. They're a success wherever they put in a store because they're not only dedicated to quality but to choice: if they don't have something they'll order it for you. Their newer stores seem to want to make shopping an "experience" rather than just a chore; there are Starbuck's shops, buffet dining and other amenities on-site.

They are very consumer-oriented and their customer service is second to none. I make a lot of sausage, or did when I was in Minnesota. Polish sausage demands a lot of pork fat in the recipe and it is practically impossible to buy pork with enough fat. I talked to the butcher at our local Hy-Vee. He said that they didn't sell it but what he would save up the trimmings for me. He asked me to come back in a couple of days. I did, and he handed me a little over ten pounds of pork fat. No charge.

The Hy-Vee we shopped at in Southern MN had a quirky thing where out of the blue, for no discernable reason, something would go on sale at a ridiculously low price. Cabbage for 13 cents a pound, for example. Hamburger for 99 cents a pound (limit 3 lbs per customer). Buy two steaks and get a 5 lb. bag of potatoes for free. Things like that. You never knew what would go on sale, or when, and the sales themselves seemed to last only a couple of hours, but it was fun when it happened.

I'd like to see them down here. They do it right.

Shout out for Shoprite. We had a new one open when we lived in New Jersey. That store never ran out of anything.......ever! (Even pre-pandemic, Publix would be out of stock on certain items that I frequently purchase). Shoprite also has Artesian breads and gourmet bakery items. The boxes they used for their gourmet cakes were beautiful enough to give at holidays as a gift. The store also had way too many choices of any one item. I had my favorites though.

[Rainger99]

Publix in Trailwinds has the same prices as Publix in Colony. I doubt there will be a difference in for the 2 Winn Dixies.

I thought that renting in the villages is significantly higher than renting outside. If the prices are the same in both locations, wouldn’t that make the village’s store less profitable for Publix or WD?

[JSR22]

I thought that renting in the villages is significantly higher than renting outside. If the prices are the same in both locations, wouldn’t that make the village’s store less profitable for Publix or WD?

Maybe the golf cart accessible stores are busier.

[retiredguy123]

I thought that renting in the villages is significantly higher than renting outside. If the prices are the same in both locations, wouldn’t that make the village’s store less profitable for Publix or WD?
A Publix store has sales of about $38 million per year. So, I don't think the rent is a major factor in their profit margin.

[Bogie Shooter]

I thought that renting in the villages is significantly higher than renting outside. If the prices are the same in both locations, wouldn’t that make the village’s store less profitable for Publix or WD?
Did you read on TOTV that rents were higher?
Or what made you think they were?

[Bill14564]

Did you read on TOTV that rents were higher?
Or what made you think they were?

I remember reading something about that in a "Fact vs Fiction" sheet from the Villages not too long ago. If I can find it again I'll post a link here.

[Carla B]

Right, Fruitland Park does not have a large grocery store and there was a recent announcement of a very large apartment complex of over 500 units being built where the closed barbecue restaurant on 466A now stands. WD is looking toward the future.

"Over 500 units" apartment complex on the Burke property is more concerning than the discussion about Winn-Dixie. Where and when was this announced?

Imagine the traffic it will create on Micro-Racetrack and 466A.

[Rainger99]

I remember reading something about that in a "Fact vs Fiction" sheet from the Villages not too long ago. If I can find it again I'll post a link here.

I found this from about five years ago. Although he doesn't really answer the question.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/clearing-up-rumors-commercial-leasing-village-241224/

[Bill14564]

I found this from about five years ago. Although he doesn't really answer the question.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/clearing-up-rumors-commercial-leasing-village-241224/

Not the one I remember but basically the same info.

“This is a myth but…” basically it is true

[Bogie Shooter]

I found this from about five years ago. Although he doesn't really answer the question.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/clearing-up-rumors-commercial-leasing-village-241224/

I think he does.
From your link.

What about the claim The Villages charges higher-than-average market rates for rent?

That’s another myth; that The Villages charges too much rent for businesses to be able to survive. Every business knows the terms of their lease before signing a contract, and has included that in their pro forma. Any rent escalations are defined from the outset and are either fixed or tied to the federal Consumer Price Index. So there are no surprises on either end. There are properties within The Villages that require higher rents than others, but also many properties in the community that we do not own charge higher rents than we do.

[Northerner52]

Because the store doesn't think based on the population and the cost of the store it won't be good for the shareholders.

To continue the wonderful posts about shopping and grocery stores in the various parts of the Villages, Winn Dixie is building a new store on 466A, at Micro Race Track Rd.

By my count, there are 4 grocery stores within a mile of that intersection on 466A, not counting the 2 Publix on 44.

Why not put the new store in the South area?

[coffeebean]

466a? Why not south of 44?
lmao.

[Rainger99]

I think he does.
From your link.

What about the claim The Villages charges higher-than-average market rates for rent?

That’s another myth; that The Villages charges too much rent for businesses to be able to survive. Every business knows the terms of their lease before signing a contract, and has included that in their pro forma. Any rent escalations are defined from the outset and are either fixed or tied to the federal Consumer Price Index. So there are no surprises on either end. There are properties within The Villages that require higher rents than others, but also many properties in the community that we do not own charge higher rents than we do.

The question was “What about the claim The Villages charges higher-than-average market rates for rent?”

He doesn’t say that they don’t charge higher than average market rates. The question wasn’t whether the villages charges too much rent for businesses to survive. Obviously businesses do survive.

He says that it is a “myth that The Villages charges too much rent for businesses to be able to survive.” A tenant might be able to survive paying higher than average rents - but may still be paying above average rents.

The guy’s ability to not answer the question shows that he should be in politics. If you don’t like the question, give a non-answer that appears to be an answer.

[Laker14]

The question was “What about the claim The Villages charges higher-than-average market rates for rent?”

He doesn’t say that they don’t charge higher than average market rates. The question wasn’t whether the villages charges too much rent for businesses to survive. Obviously businesses do survive.

He says that it is a “myth that The Villages charges too much rent for businesses to be able to survive.” A tenant might be able to survive paying higher than average rents - but may still be paying above average rents.

The guy’s ability to not answer the question shows that he should be in politics. If you don’t like the question, give a non-answer that appears to be an answer.

He should have attacked the question. "Average rent?" What is "average". We all know that the value of real estate is entirely based upon its location, hence the appropriate rent is also. So when we are talking about "average" rent, are we comparing the rent that Red Sauce pays per square foot, in Lake Sumter Landing to the cost per square foot in a strip mall between TV and Ocala?
Are we assuming that Winn Dixie pays a lot more per square foot in LSL than it will on the corner of 466A and Micro Race Track Rd? Well, what do you think the value of that real estate is now? 15 years ago it was not much, but today? It may well command just as much, if not more, than LSL due to the higher traffic flow and access for non TV residents.

I agree with you that he didn't answer the specific question. But he did a good job of explaining that the rent charged is not why businesses fail. They fail because whoever put the business plan together made a miscalculation of how attractive and profitable their enterprise would be, based upon the rent and the traffic flow that location would provide.

I had a colleague who put his dental practice in a mall. This was in the late 1970s when malls were still attractive for shoppers. The rent was high, but the traffic flow was tremendous. It didn't work for him because the mall traffic wasn't what you wanted to build a dental practice around. He got a disproportionate amount of walk-ins, rather than folks who were looking for a "dental home". Who wants to drive to the mall and park a half-mile away for a dental appointment?
My point is that the mall wasn't charging too much rent for its space. Heck, the hot pretzel shop right next to him was there for 30 years. The failure to put a business appropriate for the location was entirely his fault.
BTW, he moved his practice about a mile to a single building off of a busy road with an appropriately sized parking lot and had a fabulously successful practice and career.

[ROCKETMAN]

To continue the wonderful posts about shopping and grocery stores in the various parts of the Villages, Winn Dixie is building a new store on 466A, at Micro Race Track Rd.

By my count, there are 4 grocery stores within a mile of that intersection on 466A, not counting the 2 Publix on 44.

Why not put the new store in the South area?
There will be at least 1 more Publix built closer to the 4th town square. There already is one built further south of 44.

[ROCKETMAN]

To continue the wonderful posts about shopping and grocery stores in the various parts of the Villages, Winn Dixie is building a new store on 466A, at Micro Race Track Rd.

By my count, there are 4 grocery stores within a mile of that intersection on 466A, not counting the 2 Publix on 44.

Why not put the new store in the South area? If your rent is to high why is there a 97 per cent occupancy rate for existing commercial sites.

[retiredguy123]

Small rental spaces at the Trailwinds shopping center is being advertised at $30 per square foot per year. I'm sure that Publix is paying less than $30, but, even if they were, their annual rent for the 50,000 SF store would be about $1.5 million. That would be about 4 percent of the gross sales income for an average Publix store of $38 million. So, I don't think Publix is concerned about paying the rent.

[JMintzer]

Small rental spaces at the Trailwinds shopping center is being advertised at $30 per square foot per year. I'm sure that Publix is paying less than $30, but, even if they were, their annual rent for the 50,000 SF store would be about $1.5 million. That would be about 4 percent of the gross sales income for an average Publix store of $38 million. So, I don't think Publix is concerned about paying the rent.

The average grocery store chain has a profit margin of just over 2%. So yeah, I think they're concerned about rent...

[Laker14]

The average grocery store chain has a profit margin of just over 2%. So yeah, I think they're concerned about rent...

With a 2% profit margin, you don't have to be very far off on your calculations to sink your ship, do you?

Maybe that's why so many of the grocery store brands we grew up with are gone.

Wegmans is big in my neck of the woods (Upstate NY) and their model seems to be to own the real estate and rent out a few store fronts connected to the Wegmans anchor. I'll bet they get top dollar for those sites.

[Papa_lecki]

The average grocery store chain has a profit margin of just over 2%. So yeah, I think they're concerned about rent...

Publix Gross Sales were $48 Billion

In addition to its net sales growth, Publix reported $4.4 billion in net earnings for 2021, up from the $4 billion profit it logged in 2020. Gross margin for 2021 was 27.7%, compared to 27.9% in 2020. After excluding the last-in, first-out (LIFO) reserve effect, the decrease was primarily due to increased shrink and distribution costs, the company said.

Publix boosts capital budget for 2022 | Grocery Dive (https://www.grocerydive.com/news/publix-boosts-capital-budget-for-2022/619667/)

[Laker14]

Publix Gross Sales were $48 Billion

In addition to its net sales growth, Publix reported $4.4 billion in net earnings for 2021, up from the $4 billion profit it logged in 2020. Gross margin for 2021 was 27.7%, compared to 27.9% in 2020. After excluding the last-in, first-out (LIFO) reserve effect, the decrease was primarily due to increased shrink and distribution costs, the company said.

Publix boosts capital budget for 2022 | Grocery Dive (https://www.grocerydive.com/news/publix-boosts-capital-budget-for-2022/619667/)

Your numbers illustrate that it's a big business. Closer to 10% profit margin? How does 4B in earnings, on 48B in sales =27% margin?

[retiredguy123]

Publix Gross Sales were $48 Billion

In addition to its net sales growth, Publix reported $4.4 billion in net earnings for 2021, up from the $4 billion profit it logged in 2020. Gross margin for 2021 was 27.7%, compared to 27.9% in 2020. After excluding the last-in, first-out (LIFO) reserve effect, the decrease was primarily due to increased shrink and distribution costs, the company said.

Publix boosts capital budget for 2022 | Grocery Dive (https://www.grocerydive.com/news/publix-boosts-capital-budget-for-2022/619667/)
I'm confused. Is the profit margin 2 percent or 10 percent or 27 percent? But, in any case, I don't think the rent payment for Villages vs non-Villages properties is a significant factor.

[JMintzer]

Publix Gross Sales were $48 Billion

In addition to its net sales growth, Publix reported $4.4 billion in net earnings for 2021, up from the $4 billion profit it logged in 2020. Gross margin for 2021 was 27.7%, compared to 27.9% in 2020. After excluding the last-in, first-out (LIFO) reserve effect, the decrease was primarily due to increased shrink and distribution costs, the company said.

Publix boosts capital budget for 2022 | Grocery Dive (https://www.grocerydive.com/news/publix-boosts-capital-budget-for-2022/619667/)

Which has nothing to do with the success/failure of an individual store...

[EdFNJ]

It's 3 miles.I live closer to the Colony Publix, but shop at the Tailwind's Publix because there aren't any golf carts in the lot. BINGO! :highfive: THIS! :D