Loss of Supermarket at Lake Sumter Landing

[mtdjed]

I miss the Supermarket at Lake Sumter. One of the advantages of Living in the Lake Sumter area of the Villages has been the Supermarket. Most of the Village food markets are located on the major roads. Lake Sumter was fortunate to have a real market since 2006.

The ALDI procurement and decision to close Winn Dixie in favor of an Aldi store a year later leaves us with a gap. It also leaves us with something less than a true supermarket. No Deli, no butchers, no produce manager, bakery. It is likely that ALDI has determined that their decision will be economically correct.

Whenever ALDI opens, we will have lower prices, but a limited choice of brands. Meats and cheeses all prepackaged. The ALDI model has no specialty careers but rather a crew of multi tasked employees they can bounce around to operate cash registers, shelf stocking, floor washing, toilet cleaning, trash removal etc. It basically a box store.

They can't even get types of potato chips in the right box. Went to an ALDI on 441 today for a container of No Fat milk. None available. No 1%. Had to settle for 2%. I don't think anyone there cares. They just said they get what they get.

I go to ALDI for some items such as milk, oranges , bananas etc. Certainly not for no name cold cuts or cut cheese in a plastic sealed pack.

I personally think that stores like ALDI are great for a major hi-way but I will miss the supermarket at Lake Sumter.

[Taltarzac725]

I miss the Supermarket at Lake Sumter. One of the advantages of Living in the Lake Sumter area of the Villages has been the Supermarket. Most of the Village food markets are located on the major roads. Lake Sumter was fortunate to have a real market since 2006.

The ALDI procurement and decision to close Winn Dixie in favor of an Aldi store a year later leaves us with a gap. It also leaves us with something less than a true supermarket. No Deli, no butchers, no produce manager, bakery. It is likely that ALDI has determined that their decision will be economically correct.

Whenever ALDI opens, we will have lower prices, but a limited choice of brands. Meats and cheeses all prepackaged. The ALDI model has no specialty careers but rather a crew of multi tasked employees they can bounce around to operate cash registers, shelf stocking, floor washing, toilet cleaning, trash removal etc. It basically a box store.

They can't even get types of potato chips in the right box. Went to an ALDI on 441 today for a container of No Fat milk. None available. No 1%. Had to settle for 2%. I don't think anyone there cares. They just said they get what they get.

I go to ALDI for some items such as milk, oranges , bananas etc. Certainly not for no name cold cuts or cut cheese in a plastic sealed pack.

I personally think that stores like ALDI are great for a major hi-way but I will miss the supermarket at Lake Sumter.

I would sometimes go there after donating blood when a big red bus with One Blood on it was parked there. Or, after seeing a movie at the Old Mill Playhouse.

I will miss a lot of the Winn-Dixie offerings.

[PJ_Smiley]

Winn Dixie is still open at Pinellas Plaza. I guess since an existing Aldi's is just down the street (Trailwinds on 466A), they aren't converting and will keep the store in Pinellas Plaza a Winn Dixie for now.

[asianthree]

I agree with OP the loss of a true grocery to Aldi wouldn’t fit our grocery needs, even for a quick necessity.

Then again anyone remember Sweetbay in LSL, until it was bought by WD? I loved that store staff was knowledgeable, great deli, well stocked.

Now LSL gets to shop out of a cardboard box. My guess is Kroger trucks will be far more prominent around LSL.
I am confused why would anyone buy salmon from Aldi, when Fresh Market has better quality in the same price range.

[swooner]

Perhaps Winn Dixie's decision could have had to do with the rent charged by The Villages. Wouldn't be the first time that happened.

[kansasr]

Oh the horror of living in a third world community....having to go 4 miles further for more "upscale" grocery shopping. And my Publix was also out of 1% milk this week the one day I was there. I actually had to make a separate trip the following day to get milk. Such a tough life.

[Michael 61]

I miss the Supermarket at Lake Sumter. One of the advantages of Living in the Lake Sumter area of the Villages has been the Supermarket. Most of the Village food markets are located on the major roads. Lake Sumter was fortunate to have a real market since 2006.

The ALDI procurement and decision to close Winn Dixie in favor of an Aldi store a year later leaves us with a gap. It also leaves us with something less than a true supermarket. No Deli, no butchers, no produce manager, bakery. It is likely that ALDI has determined that their decision will be economically correct.

Whenever ALDI opens, we will have lower prices, but a limited choice of brands. Meats and cheeses all prepackaged. The ALDI model has no specialty careers but rather a crew of multi tasked employees they can bounce around to operate cash registers, shelf stocking, floor washing, toilet cleaning, trash removal etc. It basically a box store.

They can't even get types of potato chips in the right box. Went to an ALDI on 441 today for a container of No Fat milk. None available. No 1%. Had to settle for 2%. I don't think anyone there cares. They just said they get what they get.

I go to ALDI for some items such as milk, oranges , bananas etc. Certainly not for no name cold cuts or cut cheese in a plastic sealed pack.

I personally think that stores like ALDI are great for a major hi-way but I will miss the supermarket at Lake Sumter.

I have been disappointed with the limited selection there, and when I shop Aldi, I have to make a second stop at Publix to buy what I couldn’t find at Aldi.

[ROCKETMAN]

One correction to a post. Employees no longer multi task. If you want to be hired just for checkout, that will be your job. Unloading trucks, stocking another career path.

[VApeople]

My father used to say "I've seen a lot of changes in my life and I've been against every damn one of them".

[Bay Kid]

I agree with OP the loss of a true grocery to Aldi wouldn’t fit our grocery needs, even for a quick necessity.

Then again anyone remember Sweetbay in LSL, until it was bought by WD? I loved that store staff was knowledgeable, great deli, well stocked.

Now LSL gets to shop out of a cardboard box. My guess is Kroger trucks will be far more prominent around LSL.
I am confused why would anyone buy salmon from Aldi, when Fresh Market has better quality in the same price range.

I do miss Sweetbay. The sign and store were very cool.

We are very lucky to have so many grocery choices. Good, bad and indifferent.

[billethkid]

Perhaps Winn Dixie's decision could have had to do with the rent charged by The Villages. Wouldn't be the first time that happened.


A tired excuse for many that could not make it work.

The rent was/is known up front when the decision is/was made to open in the first place.

Convenient dodge!

[Bill14564]

A tired excuse for many that could not make it work.

The rent was/is known up front when the decision is/was made to open in the first place.

Convenient dodge!

Convenient doge or unfortunate reality or the reason for empty storefronts?

In any case, some Winn Dixies are changing to Aldis both inside and outside the Villages. Some Winn Dixies are remaining Winn Dixies both inside and outside the Villages. It doesn't seem like the Villages has anything at all to do with this decision.

What will be interesting to see is whether Aldis survives at Lake Sumter. With two stores outside the Villages and soon to be one within, will golf cart accessibility outweigh the higher rent?

[BrianL99]

Perhaps Winn Dixie's decision could have had to do with the rent charged by The Villages. Wouldn't be the first time that happened.

Win-Dixies was sold. Nothing to do with The Villages.

[bagboy]

Perhaps Winn Dixie's decision could have had to do with the rent charged by The Villages. Wouldn't be the first time that happened.

A 920 store chain filed for bankruptcy. Poor sales, sliding credit rating, pressure from vendors to be paid, etc.

[Stu from NYC]

A tired excuse for many that could not make it work.

The rent was/is known up front when the decision is/was made to open in the first place.

Convenient dodge!

Winn Dixie was not exactly making money store wide and suspect the one in LSL was a loser especially when the developer got his cut.

[CFrance]

A tired excuse for many that could not make it work.

The rent was/is known up front when the decision is/was made to open in the first place.

Convenient dodge!
That store had been open a long time. Perhaps the rent increased to the point it was no longer profitable.
But isn't the W-D in Pinellas Plaza on TV property also?

[dewilson58]

That store had been open a long time. Perhaps the rent increased to the point it was no longer profitable.
But isn't the W-D in Pinellas Plaza on TV property also?

Yes on TV Property...............but it's easy to blame The Developer, greed, etc.

:sing:

[BrianL99]

Winn Dixie was not exactly making money store wide and suspect the one in LSL was a loser especially when the developer got his cut.

The Landlord doesn't "get a cut", he gets his RENT, which in the retail industry, is typically partly based on sales volume.

[Bill14564]

The Landlord doesn't "get a cut", he gets his RENT, which in the retail industry, is typically partly based on sales volume.

If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then does it really make a difference if you name it an Anas platyrhynchos or call it common?

[retiredguy123]

I could be wrong, but I don't think a large grocery store goes bankrupt because of the rent. The rent is pocket change compared to their other expenses and revenue.

[Stu from NYC]

The Landlord doesn't "get a cut", he gets his RENT, which in the retail industry, is typically partly based on sales volume.

In the lease the landlord gets a percentage which I called his cut. Very common but in a low margin business can mean the difference between making or losing money.

I do not blame the developer at all it is just smart business.

[Jayhawk]

In the lease the landlord gets a percentage which I called his cut. Very common but in a low margin business can mean the difference between making or losing money.

I do not blame the developer at all it is just smart business.

Kind of like those of us who worked for a living, except we "got our cut" every 2 weeks.

[Papa_lecki]

That store had been open a long time. Perhaps the rent increased to the point it was no longer profitable.
But isn't the W-D in Pinellas Plaza on TV property also?

Grocery store negotiate rent for very long term. The annual increases are known years in advance. No grocery store is making operating decisions in 3 year increments.

And BTW, Winn Dixie was sold - the buyer is replacing a Winn Dixie with a Aldi.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Oh the horror of living in a third world community....having to go 4 miles further for more "upscale" grocery shopping. And my Publix was also out of 1% milk this week the one day I was there. I actually had to make a separate trip the following day to get milk. Such a tough life.

My exact thoughts; such an unfair world for some here in TV.

[margaretmattson]

Perhaps Winn Dixie's decision could have had to do with the rent charged by The Villages. Wouldn't be the first time that happened.My understanding is Aldis bought out Winn Dixie completely. Winn Dixie stores will be closing throughout Florida. The Village's store is simply one of many.

[Pairadocs]

I agree with OP the loss of a true grocery to Aldi wouldn’t fit our grocery needs, even for a quick necessity.

Then again anyone remember Sweetbay in LSL, until it was bought by WD? I loved that store staff was knowledgeable, great deli, well stocked.

Now LSL gets to shop out of a cardboard box. My guess is Kroger trucks will be far more prominent around LSL.
I am confused why would anyone buy salmon from Aldi, when Fresh Market has better quality in the same price range.

Just one answer among many, but I can tell you my reason for buying salmon at Aldi. We are very picky so we don't eat salmon out (usually), and Aldi is the one place we can get NON POND RAISED, non Atlantic, USA Alaskan wild sockeye caught in season at a reasonable (not inexpensive but reasonable cost). We have and do order whole copper river salmon at Fresh market when available. Personally don't believe anyone can come close to quality of Aldi's produce, nor beat their prices. To each their own, at least we have many many choices here, something to please everyone hopefully,

[Bill14564]

My understanding is Aldis bought out Winn Dixie completely. Winn Dixie stores will be closing throughout Florida. The Village's store is simply one of many.

Aldis bought Winn Dixie. *SOME* Winn Dixie stores will be changing to Aldis and others will remain Winn Dixie. Easy to Google.

[Cuervo]

I know there are differences between one market to another, Aldi is not Publix, Publix is not Winn Dixie, Winn Dixie is not Sams Club and so on, but there are so many to choose from it almost a joke.
I live off 466A, If I leave my house and turn the right Publix is 5 minutes away.
If I turn to the left, I have Aldi, Winn Dixie and another Publix about 5 minutes away.
I think this is much to do about nothing.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

I can’t wait for Aldi’s to open! Love not having to drive the car.

[asianthree]

I can’t wait for Aldi’s to open! Love not having to drive the car.

Honestly do you buy Everything at Aldi? Never enter a grocery because Aldi has all of your grocery needs?

The loss of a grocery for some isn’t an issue because they can drive elsewhere. However there are some TV residents, who are cart bond, easily get lost due to unfamiliar surroundings.
The loss of WD will be a very big deal to them.

[mraines]

The Landlord doesn't "get a cut", he gets his RENT, which in the retail industry, is typically partly based on sales volume.

My understanding is the Developer gets a cut of the profits as well as rent.

[Bill14564]

Honestly do you buy Everything at Aldi? Never enter a grocery because Aldi has all of your grocery needs?

The loss of a grocery for some isn’t an issue because they can drive elsewhere. However there are some TV residents, who are cart bond, easily get lost due to unfamiliar surroundings.
The loss of WD will be a very big deal to them.

Aldi is a grocery.

I don't buy everything at any one store. Each of the stores I go to have something unique that I like. I haven't paid enough attention to Aldi to know if I could live with that as my only store.

For some that are cart bound, having an Aldi that is golf cart accessible will be a very big deal to them.

[dewilson58]

Aldi is a grocery.

I don't buy everything at any one store. Each of the stores I go to have something unique that I like. I haven't paid enough attention to Aldi to know if I could live with that as my only store.

For some that are cart bound, having an Aldi that is golf cart accessible will be a very big deal to them.

Agree

[dewilson58]

My understanding is the Developer gets a cut of the profits as well as rent.

Wrong understanding.

[retiredguy123]

Wrong understanding.
I agree. There are about 10 Publix stores in The Villages area, and each one has gross sales of about $40 million per year. I would be very surprised if they are sharing any of this revenue with the landlord. It would make a lot more sense for them to buy land and build their own stores. In the north, Giant builds their own stores and even owns their own construction company. These large stores may have a landlord, but they certainly don't need one.

[Bill14564]

I agree. There are about 10 Publix stores in The Villages area, and each one has gross sales of about $40 million per year. I would be very surprised if they are sharing any of this revenue with the landlord. It would make a lot more sense for them to buy land and build their own stores. In the north, Giant builds their own stores and even owns their own construction company. These large stores may have a landlord, but they certainly don't need one.

Of the five Publix closest to me, four are on land owned by companies with addresses in Sumter Landing or Brownwood. The fifth, Trailwinds, is on land owned by a company out of Tampa.

I am not about to look up every company that is golf-cart accessible, but it appears to be the rare case (CostCo might be one) where the Villages sells the land rather than leases it.

As far as sharing profits - percentage rent appears to be not uncommon for retail leasing. I would be surprised to learn it wasn't used by the Villages.

[dewilson58]

As far as sharing profits - percentage rent appears to be not uncommon for retail leasing. I would be surprised to learn it wasn't used by the Villages.
If used, TV does a percent of revenues, not profits.
(as does most landlords)
Profits can be manipulated.

[BrianL99]

My understanding is the Developer gets a cut of the profits as well as rent.

Retail Leasing "rent" typically includes 4 components, fixed rent, CAM, taxes and % of revenue above base.

Fixed Rent is usually a price per square foot.

CAM = Common Area Maintenance charges.

Taxes = proportionate share of property taxes.

% above base = The Lessor typically gets a small percentage of the gross revenue, after a "base" number (1% of revenue after $5M, or whatever it may be).

[retiredguy123]

Retail Leasing "rent" typically includes 4 components, fixed rent, CAM, taxes and % of revenue above base.

Fixed Rent is usually a price per square foot.

CAM = Common Area Maintenance charges.

Taxes = proportionate share of property taxes.

% above base = The Lessor typically gets a small percentage of the gross revenue, after a "base" number (1% of revenue after $5M, or whatever it may be).
I agree, but there is a huge difference between leasing to a small gift shop and to a large grocery store, like Publix. In The Villages, the developer needs Publix more than Publix needs the developer.

[Topspinmo]

Oh the horror of living in a third world community....having to go 4 miles further for more "upscale" grocery shopping. And my Publix was also out of 1% milk this week the one day I was there. I actually had to make a separate trip the following day to get milk. Such a tough life.

Aren’t we kinda in 3rd world county? :thumbup:

[Topspinmo]

My exact thoughts; such an unfair world for some here in TV.

Actually don’t even have to go, just have it delivered. I see Kroger’s truck all the time.

[Normal]

I would be for an Albertsons instead of seeing more Publix stores.

[Number 10 GI]

Aren’t we kinda in 3rd world county? :thumbup:

"You're traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. That's the signpost up ahead – your next stop, the Twilight Zone!"

[bagboy]

I would be for an Albertsons instead of seeing more Publix stores.

We went to Albertsons in Key West (now closed) a few years ago. It was absolutely the filthiest business of any kind I had ever been in. It was so bad in fact, we walked back out without shopping and I've not been in another one since. Apparently some are better than others

[CFrance]

We went to Albertsons in Key West (now closed) a few years ago. It was absolutely the filthiest business of any kind I had ever been in. It was so bad in fact, we walked back out without shopping and I've not been in another one since. Apparently some are better than others
That's interesting, because back when we were spending winters in Key West, the Publix was absolutely filthy, and Albertson's was very clean. It had the most amazing homemade rosemary olive bread, too.
But then it got sold, so I don't know what happened to it. We were there from 2004 to 2009.

[Rodneysblue]

Winn Dixie is still open in Spanish Springs just a short ride away. Also Publix and Walmart.

[Normal]

That's interesting, because back when we were spending winters in Key West, the Publix was absolutely filthy, and Albertson's was very clean. It had the most amazing homemade rosemary olive bread, too.
But then it got sold, so I don't know what happened to it. We were there from 2004 to 2009.

Anything new construction as long as it isn’t a bank like Citizen’s First, a Publix or another gas station is a good thing. For Publix to dictate everything in the area is ridiculous. There are other chains in Florida.

[RickyLee]

Oh the horror of living in a third world community....having to go 4 miles further for more "upscale" grocery shopping. And my Publix was also out of 1% milk this week the one day I was there. I actually had to make a separate trip the following day to get milk. Such a tough life.


Living in Paradise comes with a price

[Topspinmo]

We went to Albertsons in Key West (now closed) a few years ago. It was absolutely the filthiest business of any kind I had ever been in. It was so bad in fact, we walked back out without shopping and I've not been in another one since. Apparently some are better than others

Maybe it was key west? With 5 o’clock somewhere attitude? :ho:

[Topspinmo]

I would be for an Albertsons instead of seeing more Publix stores.


Wow, I thought Albertsons when out of business 30 years ago? Must of downsized out of areas I lived in?

[jmaccallum]

The fall of Winn-Dixie had absolutely nothing to do with The Villages nor any lease agreement with the Developer.

Winn-Dixie has been struggling since 2004 when it announced losses of $79.5 million in just one quarter. Since then Winn-Dixie has gone into Bankruptcy THREE times - in 2005, 2009 and again in 2018.

Bottom line, Winn-Dixie got beat by its competition - mainly Walmart - as Winn-Dixie positioned itself as a like-kind low priced grocer. Publix, on the other hand, went up-scale - differentiating itself by offering products and services not available at the lower priced grocers, albeit at a price, yet thus avoiding direct competition.

Also, Aldi did not buy Winn-Dixie. Aldi Sud bought Southeastern Grocers, Winn-Dixie parent company. And for those of you clamoring for a TRADER JOE’S in The Villages, BOTH Aldi and Trader Joe’s are owned by the same folks - the Albrecht family. Aldi is actually an abbreviation for Albrecht Discounts.

[Note: And for those who want to get technical - yes, there are two Aldi companies - Aldi Nord & Aldi Sud - created when the Albrecht brothers couldn’t agree on whether or not to sell cigarettes in the stores. Aldi Nord owns Trader Joe’s. However, both are private companies (and I do mean very private, here) and both are owned by Foundations of the Albrecht family and heirs - one of the richest, secluded and non-public families in Germany.]

[Normal]

The fall of Winn-Dixie had absolutely nothing to do with The Villages nor any lease agreement with the Developer.

Winn-Dixie has been struggling since 2004 when it announced losses of $79.5 million in just one quarter. Since then Winn-Dixie has gone into Bankruptcy THREE times - in 2005, 2009 and again in 2018.

Bottom line, Winn-Dixie got beat by its competition - mainly Walmart - as Winn-Dixie positioned itself as a like-kind low priced grocer. Publix, on the other hand, went up-scale - differentiating itself by offering products and services not available at the lower priced grocers, albeit at a price, yet thus avoiding direct competition.

Also, Aldi did not buy Winn-Dixie. Aldi Sud bought Southeastern Grocers, Winn-Dixie parent company. And for those of you clamoring for a TRADER JOE’S in The Villages, BOTH Aldi and Trader Joe’s are owned by the same folks - the Albrecht family. Aldi is actually an abbreviation for Albrecht Discounts.

[Note: And for those who want to get technical - yes, there are two Aldi companies - Aldi Nord & Aldi Sud - created when the Albrecht brothers couldn’t agree on whether or not to sell cigarettes in the stores. Aldi Nord owns Trader Joe’s. However, both are private companies (and I do mean very private, here) and both are owned by Foundations of the Albrecht family and heirs - one of the richest, secluded and non-public families in Germany.]

What most of us understand is that”Sud” means south and “Nord” means north. What a coincidence I guess.

[J1ceasar]

Salmon is one item out of 50,000 and probably within 50 cents or a dollar of anywhere

I love the smoked salmon or the Atlantic trout at Aldi's.

I also love the fact that I don't have to walk two miles to find something in a bigger store
Cashiers are the fastest I've ever seen

probablyI agree with OP the loss of a true grocery to Aldi wouldn’t fit our grocery needs, even for a quick necessity.

Then again anyone remember Sweetbay in LSL, until it was bought by WD? I loved that store staff was knowledgeable, great deli, well stocked.

Now LSL gets to shop out of a cardboard box. My guess is Kroger trucks will be far more prominent around LSL.
I am confused why would anyone buy salmon from Aldi, when Fresh Market has better quality in the same price range.

[Just jimmy]

Perhaps Winn Dixie's decision could have had to do with the rent charged by The Villages. Wouldn't be the first time that happened.

The whole chain was sold to Aldi.

[bagboy]

Maybe it was key west? With 5 o’clock somewhere attitude? :ho:

:beer3:

[jimmy o]

I miss the Supermarket at Lake Sumter. One of the advantages of Living in the Lake Sumter area of the Villages has been the Supermarket. Most of the Village food markets are located on the major roads. Lake Sumter was fortunate to have a real market since 2006.

The ALDI procurement and decision to close Winn Dixie in favor of an Aldi store a year later leaves us with a gap. It also leaves us with something less than a true supermarket. No Deli, no butchers, no produce manager, bakery. It is likely that ALDI has determined that their decision will be economically correct.

Whenever ALDI opens, we will have lower prices, but a limited choice of brands. Meats and cheeses all prepackaged. The ALDI model has no specialty careers but rather a crew of multi tasked employees they can bounce around to operate cash registers, shelf stocking, floor washing, toilet cleaning, trash removal etc. It basically a box store.

They can't even get types of potato chips in the right box. Went to an ALDI on 441 today for a container of No Fat milk. None available. No 1%. Had to settle for 2%. I don't think anyone there cares. They just said they get what they get.

I go to ALDI for some items such as milk, oranges , bananas etc. Certainly not for no name cold cuts or cut cheese in a plastic sealed pack.

I personally think that stores like ALDI are great for a major hi-way but I will miss the supermarket at Lake Sumter.
I too miss the WinnDixie, but…As I recall announcement, it’s going to be an Aldi with limited WinnDixie supermarket. Before being upset with what we think is coming, we should wait and see what actually is coming. We might actually like it.

[kkingston57]

Have been seeing posts for years regarding rent charged by the developer. Does anyone have objective information which would sow that they charge more than others and if so how much higher are they?

[kkingston57]

I agree. There are about 10 Publix stores in The Villages area, and each one has gross sales of about $40 million per year. I would be very surprised if they are sharing any of this revenue with the landlord. It would make a lot more sense for them to buy land and build their own stores. In the north, Giant builds their own stores and even owns their own construction company. These large stores may have a landlord, but they certainly don't need one.

Only person(s) who can answer that ? is the person(s) who have seen and read the lease.

[retiredguy123]

Only person(s) who can answer that ? is the person(s) who have seen and read the lease.
I agree, but they probably won't show you the lease.

[UpNorth]

Cashiers are the fastest I've ever seen


So true. I think they are trained for speed. I've ben to a few ALDI stores that also have self-serve check-outs. Great when you only have a few items. Hope the include them at LSL.

[jmaccallum]

It’s not a surprise that the LSL Winn-Dixie is being converted to an Aldi. Stores the size of Winn-Dixie can’t be profitable with only Villages patrons. Not enough roof-tops. The LSL Winn-Dixie needed to also draw customers from outside The Villages. Ever wonder why there is no Villages Gate south of 466 nor north of 466A on Morse Boulevard? Yep, they tried but it never really worked. The LSL Winn-Dixie location is tucked too far inside The Villages with no easy access from a major thoroughfare. Villagers might think Morse Blvd. Is a major thoroughfare, but it ain’t. In that vein, I would guess LSL Winn-Dixie had quite the favorable Lease - but still not enough.

Will Aldi be profitable at that location - probably much so. Because of their size, approximately 25-30% of a Winn-Dixie, and their modus operandi - drop your quarter for a shopping buggy, get your items, bag ‘em and get out, oh and get your quarter back - they don’t need as much traffic. But if they do get anywhere near the traffic that LSL Winn-Dixie had then the Aldi will be very profitable.

It will take time for people to become accustomed - different items, different brands - but there is documented significant savings at Aldi versus Winn-Dixie. The savings along with convenience of location will most likely end up winning a lot of Villagers “Hearts and Minds.” Before you disagree, just look at their Social Media following.

[CFrance]

Way off topic, but if anyone has a dog on the green bean diet, frozen are 96 cents a bag, steam in the bag. No additives.

[BrianL99]

Have been seeing posts for years regarding rent charged by the developer. Does anyone have objective information which would sow that they charge more than others and if so how much higher are they?

The Lease the District signed with the Developer for the new District Office in Brownwood, is public information. We all know the Developer controls the District.gov operation. In comparison to other office space in the general area, the District is paying way more than market rate for the space.

As for the retail space the Developer leases, there's no such thing as "higher than others". It's all based on the market and the volume of sales and profit margin the user can generate.

Leasing retail space is different than leasing Office space (or Industrial or otherwise).

Office space can be compared based on location, convenience, parking availability, aesthetics, etc. Retail space has only ONE criteria ... how much revenue can be generated, in the opinion of the Lessee. If the numbers work, the business leases the space. If they don't work, the space stays vacant.

In other words, for retail space in The Villages, there are no absolutes nor objective criteria. How much money can be generated from the space and how does that base cost, fit into the business' revenue/profit model, is the only analysis.

[coffeebean]

Honestly do you buy Everything at Aldi? Never enter a grocery because Aldi has all of your grocery needs?

The loss of a grocery for some isn’t an issue because they can drive elsewhere. However there are some TV residents, who are cart bond, easily get lost due to unfamiliar surroundings.
The loss of WD will be a very big deal to them.
My main grocery store is Colony Publix. I will surely miss Winn Dixie for those times when I am in or very near LSL to pop into a regular grocery store for what ever I need. I've been to a couple of Aldi stores and they do not have so many of the items I purchase on a regular basis. Oh well.

[coffeebean]

~~~

[BrianL99]

I live about a mile from the former Winn Dixie at LSL.

6 days a week, I go through that parking lot, coming and going to a golf course.

It sure was convenient to stop and pick up something for dinner or sugar or cream for my morning coffee.

I've been back in The Villages since October, it's nearing 4 months that I've survived the inconvenience.

On the positive side, I'm never tempted to buy some crap piece of steak they always seemed to have on sale at Winn Dixie. Anything is a major improvement on what's there right now. I'd settle for a convenience store.

[asianthree]

I live about a mile from the former Winn Dixie at LSL.

6 days a week, I go through that parking lot, coming and going to a golf course.

It sure was convenient to stop and pick up something for dinner or sugar or cream for my morning coffee.

I've been back in The Villages since October, it's nearing 4 months that I've survived the inconvenience.

On the positive side, I'm never tempted to buy some crap piece of steak they always seemed to have on sale at Winn Dixie. Anything is a major improvement on what's there right now. I'd settle for a convenience store.

Honestly thought WD didn’t start clearing shelves until late November early December.

[Garywt]

I do feel for the OP as ALDI is a useless store in my opinion. I know people like it but it is not for me to unorganized and not enough products or selections.

[Stu from NYC]

I do feel for the OP as ALDI is a useless store in my opinion. I know people like it but it is not for me to unorganized and not enough products or selections.

Lots of us like it and do understand the layout of the store

[Papa_lecki]

Have been seeing posts for years regarding rent charged by the developer. Does anyone have objective information which would sow that they charge more than others and if so how much higher are they?

When the real estate group of Winn Dixie searcher for space, they know the price per square foot and all the other details of the lease for all the commercial real estate space both inside and outside the Villages (i.e. owned and not owned by the developer).

If the real estate group thought the economics of not being in the Villages was not good for their shareholders, there would be no grocery stores inside the Villages.

Same goes for the restaurants, the retail stores, and the fast food places.

[coffeebean]

I was in an Aldi a few days ago at dinner time and was very disappointed in the messy appearance of the store at that hour. There was stuff all over the floor and the boxes that hold the products were strewn all over the place. It looked as if there was no attempt at keeping the store presentable. I'm so used to walking into any Publix at any time of day and the stores always look pristine. Am I spoiled by Publix?

[CFrance]

I was in an Aldi a few days ago at dinner time and was very disappointed in the messy appearance of the store at that hour. There was stuff all over the floor and the boxes that hold the products were strewn all over the place. It looked as if there was no attempt at keeping the store presentable. I'm so used to walking into any Publix at any time of day and the stores always look pristine. Am I spoiled by Publix?
There's no expectation of Aldi's to look like Publix. If they're just opening, things may be in disarray; I don't know. We have plenty of supermarket choices here, though.

[Laker14]

I used to shop frequently at the LSL Winn Dixie. As COVID waned, but prices were rising like crazy and nobody knew what anything cost, I was shopping there and needed 5 lbs of King Arthur Bread Flour and a jar of yeast. The bright yellow cardboard sign declared the flour was $7.49, and yeast was $6.49, with exclamation points, as if this was an amazingly great set of prices. I wasn't sure what it would cost elsewhere, but I chose not to buy them. At Publix in Colony, $5.98, and $3.49, and at the Walmart Neighborhood Store, each item was even 50 cents less than Publix. I expect to see a 5 or 10 percent higher price at Publix, but 36% was a lot more than I was willing to spend for the convenience of shopping at that Winn Dixie. I don't think I ever set foot into that store since that day.