New SweetBay store opening!

[Parker]

The banner says it will open on Wednesday, October 2nd. SweetBay seems like a nice store and will be a welcome addition to this side of the city. I know there will be a Walgreens on the corner. Anybody know what other stores will be in this location?

[asianthree]

:MOJE_whot:yea:MOJE_whot:

[Barefoot]

The banner says it will open on Wednesday, October 2nd. SweetBay seems like a nice store and will be a welcome addition to this side of the city. I know there will be a Walgreens on the corner. Anybody know what other stores will be in this location?

Parker, what location?

[Halle]

Parker, what location?

Off of 466A near Powell Road in Pinellas Plaza.

[gomoho]

Pretty much a carbon copy of Colony Plaza, but hopefully will ease the congestion there.

[jblum315]

not gonna ease the congestion unless there's another Publix

[missypie]

Pretty much a carbon copy of Colony Plaza, but hopefully will ease the congestion there.

How exciting, a carbon copy........

[dewilson58]

:BigApplause:

[Happydaz]

How exciting, a carbon copy........

Having a unified look to a community, in my opinion, is a good thing. The fact that many of the homes in the Villages look similar to one another gives a pleasing look to our neighborhoods. I come from New England where I can show you many towns that grew with no zoning or a unified theme. They never look as good as the organized towns that required smaller signs and attractive store fronts. Towns like Woodstock in Vermont, Camden in Maine, and Hanover in New Hampshire come to mind as being great looking towns. My wife and I are very pleased with the Villages architecture and we comment often on how attractive all the stores are. The landscaping is excellent too. Pinellas Plaza is going to be beautiful when it is finished. Take a Sunday drive and see all the progress that is being made.

[dewilson58]

Having a unified look to a community, in my opinion, is a good thing. The fact that many of the homes in the Villages look similar to one another gives a pleasing look to our neighborhoods. I come from New England where I can show you many towns that grew with no zoning or a unified theme. They never look as good as the organized towns that required smaller signs and attractive store fronts. Towns like Woodstock in Vermont, Camden in Maine, and Hanover in New Hampshire come to mind as being great looking towns. My wife and I are very pleased with the Villages architecture and we comment often on how attractive all the stores are. The landscaping is excellent too. Pinellas Plaza is going to be beautiful when it is finished. Take a Sunday drive and see all the progress that is being made.

Absolutely...........It's all good.

[gomoho]

Having a unified look to a community, in my opinion, is a good thing. The fact that many of the homes in the Villages look similar to one another gives a pleasing look to our neighborhoods. I come from New England where I can show you many towns that grew with no zoning or a unified theme. They never look as good as the organized towns that required smaller signs and attractive store fronts. Towns like Woodstock in Vermont, Camden in Maine, and Hanover in New Hampshire come to mind as being great looking towns. My wife and I are very pleased with the Villages architecture and we comment often on how attractive all the stores are. The landscaping is excellent too. Pinellas Plaza is going to be beautiful when it is finished. Take a Sunday drive and see all the progress that is being made.

Most of us also appreciate how The Villages look, but have a problem with the stores being repeated over and over again. Sometimes it is nice to have options without having to go to Ocala or Orlando. Just a thought.

[dewilson58]

dew like options.......dew like having some repeats so I don't have to drive to the other square. It's a fine line to balance. But Net, Net, Net....give us a few more options.

[wendyquat]

not gonna ease the congestion unless there's another Publix

:agree:

[Happydaz]

Most of us also appreciate how The Villages look, but have a problem with the stores being repeated over and over again. Sometimes it is nice to have options without having to go to Ocala or Orlando. Just a thought.

Maybe someone will do a comparison of the stores in Colony as compared to the stores that are being built in Pinellas. I don't think they are a carbon copy of one another.

[missypie]

Maybe someone will do a comparison of the stores in Colony as compared to the stores that are being built in Pinellas. I don't think they are a carbon copy of one another.

They will be the same, hence my comment.

[skip0358]

Quite a few the same even the Drug store.

[Happydaz]

They will be the same, hence my comment.

So they both have a Publix market, a workout gym, a Subway, etc.? Then they would be carbon copies of one another, I see your point.

[Happinow]

My husband and I were just talking about the amount and variety of stores here. While we all appreciate that they are building more stores, I feel like everything is so controlled. On one hand it's a good thing but on the shopping end it's not. I feel like I'm being dictated to where I have to shop and that's probably my least favorite thing about TV. We all need variety but how many Beef Ole Brady's, Bells, and frozen yogurt places can we have? We need more breakfast places, JC Penny, another Walmart closer, Olive Garden.....we have to go out to 466 for these places. I can keep on hoping. By the way, we love it here!!!

[champion6]

Anybody know what other stores will be in this location?They are listed in the Construction Update in today's paper.

[kittygilchrist]

not gonna ease the congestion unless there's another Publix

wink, wink, let's all go celebrate Sweetbay, shall we?

[Parker]

Publix is hard to beat, that's for sure. But SweetBay is quite nice and competition is a very good thing. So thumbs up to the Grand Opening. I hope they have great success.

[DianeM]

A container of milk is the same whether it be from Publix or Sweetbay. Not that big a deal.

[Sunshine Mary]

I was told there well be a Olive Garden there YEA!!!! Now we need a Walmart

My husband and I were just talking about the amount and variety of stores here. While we all appreciate that they are building more stores, I feel like everything is so controlled. On one hand it's a good thing but on the shopping end it's not. I feel like I'm being dictated to where I have to shop and that's probably my least favorite thing about TV. We all need variety but how many Beef Ole Brady's, Bells, and frozen yogurt places can we have? We need more breakfast places, JC Penny, another Walmart closer, Olive Garden.....we have to go out to 466 for these places. I can keep on hoping. By the way, we love it here!!!

[Halle]

They both have everything I need but I prefer Sweetbay over Publix. I'm sure they will do well and be a welcome addition to the area.

[Bonnevie]

not gonna ease the congestion unless there's another Publix

actually, I was talking to one of the staff at the Publix at Colony asking why Publix didn't go in where Sweetbay was going. In my old area Publix dominated by having lots of stores, some very close to each other. He said there are plans to build one across the street from the new Sweetbay.

[philnpat]

actually, I was talking to one of the staff at the Publix at Colony asking why Publix didn't go in where Sweetbay was going. In my old area Publix dominated by having lots of stores, some very close to each other. He said there are plans to build one across the street from the new Sweetbay.

If they build a Publix across the street from the new Sweetbay, I don't see that it will be golf cart accessible.

[Patty55]

I was told there well be a Olive Garden there YEA!!!! Now we need a Walmart

NO, please not another Walmart.

[ROCKETMAN]

If they build a Publix across the street from the new Sweetbay, I don't see that it will be golf cart accessible.

I work at the publix at colony. Will check out that rumor tomorrow. Wouldn't be totally surprised, plenty of vehicle traffic on 466a without golf carts. The person who owns that land has been holding out and will not sell to the developer.

[philnpat]

I work at the publix at colony. Will check out that rumor tomorrow. Wouldn't be totally surprised, plenty of vehicle traffic on 466a without golf carts. The person who owns that land has been holding out and will not sell to the developer.

He's sitting on a gold mine!

[janmcn]

The residents of Wildwood must be thrilled with the opening of this new strip mall. They probably have not had this many new stores opening all at once in their history.

[CFrance]

not gonna ease the congestion unless there's another Publix

Well, there will be one less person & car at Colony Publix--me and mine! That store is too small to handle its trade, and the parking lot scares heck out of me. People coming from all directions. You don't know where to look first when backing out of a parking space. I'm so afraid i'll hit someone i've taken to parking at the bottom of the lot where there are fewer people to run over. i look forward to Sweet Bay opening.

[ilovetv]

I think it will relieve congestion at Colony Publix. All the residents are brand new to TV surrounding the new Pinellas Plaza and the new SweetBay. From the start, they will get used to going to SweetBay because it's so close to home, it's a much shorter ride by golf cart, and there's nothing grossly lacking from SweetBay in the first place.

Also, the thousands of residents in the new neighborhoods surrounding Pinellas and Sweetbay will use it if they keep it open later than 9pm as the one at LSL does, and as Walgreens does. Lots of people don't go to bed at 9pm!!!!!!

[zonerboy]

Please remember.....the developer does not "control" what stores will go into new shopping centers. He just builds the buildings and rents out space. He cannot just order up a Trader Joe's or a Whole Foods Market and tell them where to locate. Same story with restaurants.
What control there is happens because of "the market" or "demographics" as seen by a particular store's development analysts.
Don't blame Mr Morse. Contact the marketing department of the particular store you are interested in.

[pattybgood]

Absolutely...........It's all good.
The Villages.com website has a list of everything new coming to all locations in TV.

[Shimpy]

Is the new store golf cart accessible yet?

[e-flyer]

Wishing......we could use another Micky D's at Pinellas Plaza, the one at Colony is a gold mine! And please a gas station on that end of 466a to give Colony Shell competition so the price comes down to 466 and 441/27 pricing.

[ugotme]

Variety is good and I hope Sweetbay has much success.

My only pet peeve is that Publix has a LOCK on Boars Head products. For me they are the only cold cuts that I like. So, will shop at Sweetbay for a lot of items but will still have to go to Publix.

Not a big deal - I can handle it. LOL

[tghoul]

You can now take your golf cart to the County complex and library. They have taken down the barriers and "No Trespassing" signs.

[philnpat]

Wishing......we could use another Micky D's at Pinellas Plaza, the one at Colony is a gold mine! And please a gas station on that end of 466a to give Colony Shell competition so the price comes down to 466 and 441/27 pricing.

Colony Shell was $3.29 yesterday.

[SALYBOW]

I'm so excited, I just can't hide it. :wine: :girlneener::welcome::MOJE_whot::bigbow:

[Parker]

And heard the new Sweetbay is giving away a new golfcart during opening week.

[asianthree]

i like the turkey breast in the deli it lunch or dinner without much fuss

[cquick]

not gonna ease the congestion unless there's another Publix

I think Sweet Bay is Great! Should be a really nice place to shop. I like the one by Sumter Landing. Beautiful store.
Nice people.:pepper2:

[cquick]

And heard the new Sweetbay is giving away a new golfcart during opening week.

Yeah! :pepper2:

[cquick]

Is the new store golf cart accessible yet?

YES YES YES! And so is the library!:pepper2:

[cquick]

Quite a few the same even the Drug store.

I'm so happy it's another Walgreen's. LOVE Walgreen's! And my mom is moving to Providence apartments and she can go to Walgreen's too. I wish a Suntrust Bank would open there too.

[cquick]

OK, I guess I'll stop "opining" now. 5 posts in a row isn't a good thing........

[aln]

What time is everyone getting there?

I've seen the ads in the DS and browsed this whole thread and nowhere is there an opening time!

For those that were around when Chick-fil-a opened, remember, people lined up at like 1AM to get the free sandwich!

:rolleyes:

[ROCKETMAN]

Sweetbay opening will not make a difference as far as publix in colony. when they opened in sumter sales were same as before sweetbay opened. I will check the gross sales for the last 3 weeks of October and see if it made a difference. I work there and they share sales numbers with associates. Right now running around $850,000 a week.

[Bogie Shooter]

Sweetbay opening will not make a difference as far as publix in colony. when they opened in sumter sales were same as before sweetbay opened. I will check the gross sales for the last 3 weeks of October and see if it made a difference. I work there and they share sales numbers with associates. Right now running around $850,000 a week.

Is that information public? I looked on their website but could not find gross sales by location.

[gomoho]

Sweetbay opening will not make a difference as far as publix in colony. when they opened in sumter sales were same as before sweetbay opened. I will check the gross sales for the last 3 weeks of October and see if it made a difference. I work there and they share sales numbers with associates. Right now running around $850,000 a week.

I was wondering the same thing - is this information published for the public to see?

[ilovetv]

Publix is nice and I do about half my grocery shopping there. But geez.....most of us came from states and communities where there are NO Publix stores, and somehow none of us who moved here starved to death for lack of this particular store!

[CFrance]

Publix is nice and I do about half my grocery shopping there. But geez.....most of us came from states and communities where there are NO Publix stores, and somehow none of us who moved here starved to death for lack of this particular store!

I kind of agree. Coming from Pittsburgh originally (and lately), it's hard to beat Giant Eagle, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's. Giant Eagle especially has wide-open aisles and products galore. Their specialty stores have aged hanging meat and blah blah blah.

I'm over not having this stuff, but I do agree that grocery shopping can be adequately accomplished without struggling with Publix at Colony in the winter season.
I hope Sweetbay will alleviate some of the congestion.

[graciegirl]

I kind of agree. Coming from Pittsburgh originally (and lately), it's hard to beat Giant Eagle, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's. Giant Eagle especially has wide-open aisles and products galore. Their specialty stores have aged hanging meat and blah blah blah.

I'm over not having this stuff, but I do agree that grocery shopping can be adequately accomplished without struggling with Publix at Colony in the winter season.
I hope Sweetbay will alleviate some of the congestion.

There are five Publix on campus. If it gets unbearable you can get in your car and drive to one of the others. Or drive to Winn Dixie in Wildwood, or down 466A to Walmart in Fruitland Park.

It may be a little more difficult, but not impossible to get food.;)

and Koolaid.
http://cdn.overclock.net/d/d6/d640c7a8_kool_aid_oh_yeah.jpeg

[ROCKETMAN]

I was wondering the same thing - is this information published for the public to see?

While this info is not available to the general public, if you see a manager or assistant and ask what do your sales run a week, I am sure he would give you a general number. They don't give employees anything in writing, I just ask once in a while

[tommy steam]

I think Sweet Bay is Great! Should be a really nice place to shop. I like the one by Sumter Landing. Beautiful store.
Nice people.:pepper2:

Just in the new sweet bay this morning. It's a very nice store.

[dblwyr]

Just got back from the new Sweetbay...a beautiful store. Just love having a great market in this end of town!

[ROCKETMAN]

Just returned from sweetbay, very nice store. While shopping a vendor saw my wis. badger cap and started talking about football. Said I had season tickets for many years and he said he played a little back in the 80's. His name was david greenwood and he was just inducted into the badger hall of fame this year. Read his bio, at the time considered the greatest high school athlete ever to come out of wis. He played in the usfl 14 games after college who played their games in the summer and then played every game for tampa bucs. That wore out his body and was never the same. He looked like he could still play today.

[jnieman]

Was the new store crowded today? I have a friend who is working her first day as a cashier their and didn't know what to expect. I had heard rumors of when the other Sweetbay opened they gave away free pineapples for the first so many customers and they were swamped.

[NECHFalcon68]

Was the new store crowded today? I have a friend who is working her first day as a cashier their and didn't know what to expect. I had heard rumors of when the other Sweetbay opened they gave away free pineapples for the first so many customers and they were swamped.

The parking lot was a zoo...not even a cart spot open. My wife left and went to Publix.

[kgentile1010]

Here's a link to some of the new stores -- The Villages Commercial Property Management (http://www.thevillagescpm.com/comingsoon.htm)

[Bonnevie]

almost impossible to find a parking spot. oddly, not bad at all inside. A lot of people obviously came to put entries in for the golf cart.

[gomoho]

My husband went and said it was a zoo, but they had a great price on beer so he sucked it up!!!

[SALYBOW]

I love, love love it. It is bigger than the Publix in Colony. It is open and airy, You can get down the aisles even if there is something on display. The only time I ran into anyone was when waiting for a sample of wine. It was absolutely packed. The parking lot was even worse than Publix but I am sure that had something to do with the opening and the fact that some of the space is still under construction. Did I say I love it? :MOJE_whot::bigbow: I am such a Happy Camper. Cheaper, more accessible and closer by half. Woo Hoo,

[Indydealmaker]

Is that information public? I looked on their website but could not find gross sales by location.

The Publix website indicates that average store sales are a little over $500,000 per week.

[Bogie Shooter]

The Publix website indicates that average store sales are a little over $500,000 per week.

Thanks. That is general information, I was looking for store specific. Guess I will just have to ask the manager...................I bet he says $500,000.

[ROCKETMAN]

Don't think sweetbay is larger than publix, maybe close. As for $5000,000 sales in a week, you would have to go back several years at colony to find one that low. Once we get to jan., 1 million dollar weeks will be the norm.

[Indydealmaker]

Thanks. That is general information, I was looking for store specific. Guess I will just have to ask the manager...................I bet he says $500,000.

Bogie, I wonder if a public company that published that kind of detail would risk micro-managing by these shareholder activists. Management could be pressured to close a single under performing store in spite of the hurt that might put on a given community.

[travelguy]

lovely new store, with such wide aisles. the deli was a bit inefficient, the cases were small, and the cold air kept blowing up the legs of my shorts. actually the store was entirely too cold. i like the one at lake sumter and probably will frequent it more often as it is a more manageable shopping experience. publix is way too crowded.

[Bexter]

Variety is good and I hope Sweetbay has much success.

My only pet peeve is that Publix has a LOCK on Boars Head products. For me they are the only cold cuts that I like. So, will shop at Sweetbay for a lot of items but will still have to go to Publix.

Boars Head products - the best!

[Microcodeboy]

Bogie, I wonder if a public company that published that kind of detail would risk micro-managing by these shareholder activists. Management could be pressured to close a single under performing store in spite of the hurt that might put on a given community.

Companies show what details they need to further their goals. Not what does not... It is as it should be. Analyists will speculate on the details but as records show, they never get it right... Shareholders can and are played like fiddles.

Smart companies manage their culture and image as they should.

[graciegirl]

[...

[senior citizen]

I loved the old Sweetbay when we were there. The one near The Village of Caroline.
Looking forward to seeing the new one.

Where exactly is the new one? In relation to which set of Villages?????

At the time, the workers there told me it was really a Hannaford out of Maine....which we are familiar with in our Vermont town.

When we were in Maine this summer.....we all used the Hannaford.....a great store.

Recently I read that Food Lion (?) bought out Sweetbay? Hopefully, it will stay as nice as it was when we shopped there......in The Villages.

[kittygilchrist]

Sally, I'm glad you like it (you must be my neighbor...it's a tad closer for me too)...
I hope nobody but me sticks with Publix. Sweetbay feels like going back in time...stores where my mother would stand and talk to people for days while I had to squirm and stand there, useless.

[senior citizen]

I love, love love it. It is bigger than the Publix in Colony. It is open and airy, You can get down the aisles even if there is something on display. The only time I ran into anyone was when waiting for a sample of wine. It was absolutely packed. The parking lot was even worse than Publix but I am sure that had something to do with the opening and the fact that some of the space is still under construction. Did I say I love it? :MOJE_whot::bigbow: I am such a Happy Camper. Cheaper, more accessible and closer by half. Woo Hoo,

What road is it located on???? We know where the original Sweetbay is.
Near Lake Sumter Landing. Where is this new one?

We used the Sweetbay when we were at Creekside Landing; it had a great produce department, wonderful bakery, etc., etc. and was a nice manageable sized store........

However, when we had to move over to the rental, we then went to the Publix which was o.k. and closer, but their bakery products, etc., etc. were not as good as Sweetbay. That Publix was in the Mulberry Grove shopping center.
It was fine, but not as good as Sweetbay.

However, if it really was taken over by Food Lion, then nothing is written in stone. But....at the time, we preferred Sweetbay. Food Lion has had some bad write-ups re other stores in other parts of Florida over the decades.

p.s. Kitty, Our moms and grandmothers shopped at old small A&P supermarkets........Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company. I still remember her pulling the shopping cart home. 1950's. In the war years of the '40s everything was rationed; things like butter, sugar, etc. and womens nylon stockings, car tires, etc. Back then, even smaller stores.

Not like Sweetbay at all. My mom was born in 1911. Her mom in 1889.
Probably just had the farmer's market and a corner grocery store.

When we moved up here, they still had an A&P and we all loved it.
At the time it had very fresh produce and everyone knew the butcher; he was our neighbor.

There is something to be said for a smaller supermarket......as far as getting in and out more quickly.

[Parker]

The new Sweetbay is on 466A out in the direction of Brownwood, near Pinellas, near Wildwood on the west side of The Villages. And boy, it is beautiful! Clean, wide aisles, lots of light, employees very friendly and helpful.

[senior citizen]

The new Sweetbay is on 466A out in the direction of Brownwood, near Pinellas, near Wildwood on the west side of The Villages. And boy, it is beautiful! Clean, wide aisles, lots of light, employees very friendly and helpful.

Sounds very nice. Thank you. The employees in the original store were also very friendly and just struck up a conversation......small world that it is, they had been to the town we live in.......and knew all the historic monuments, etc. and even the "big chair" out on the flats (by a furniture store)....again, small world. The new store sounds just as nice. Thanks again......

[Bigben007]

I love the new Sweetbay, I agree, it's bright, clean and wide aisles. So glad it opened.

[janmcn]

An article in today's Tampa Bay Times said that as soon as the sale of Sweet Bay to Bi-Lo Holdings is finalized, the Sweet Bay name will be retired and converted to the Winn-Dixie brand. The name change is expected to happen in the first quarter of 2014.

[CFrance]

An article in today's Tampa Bay Times said that as soon as the sale of Sweet Bay to Bi-Lo Holdings is finalized, the Sweet Bay name will be retired and converted to the Winn-Dixie brand. The name change is expected to happen in the first quarter of 2014.

This would be a plus for us. We shop mainly at the Winn Dixie in Wildwood, as it is less crowded, parking is good, and discounts on gas. So if Sweetbay becomes Winn Dixie with the same gas perks, it would be closer for us to shop there.

[Duckfinger2]

I just read Sweatbay is selling out to Winn Dixie and they plan to change the name as well.

[zcaveman]

I just read Sweatbay is selling out to Winn Dixie and they plan to change the name as well.

There was an article in the business section of today's Daily Sun (10/10) stating that the name will be changed to Winn-Dixie.

I wonder if they will change the product line also.

Z

[mulligan]

Product line has already changed somewhat, and distribution will no longer be from New England. Sale was a done deal several months ago.

[asianthree]

There was an article in the business section of today's Daily Sun (10/10) stating that the name will be changed to Winn-Dixie.

I wonder if they will change the product line also.

Z

i hope not..i like sweetbay

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Here's an article from The Tampa Tribune:

Sweetbay supermarkets will be renamed Winn-Dixie (http://tbo.com/news/business/sweetbay-supermarkets-will-be-renamed-winn-dixie-20131008/)

Bill :)

[gomoho]

Wonder why they didn't just open as Winn Dixie instead of spending all that money labeling themselves as SweetBay???

[Parker]

How disappointing to hear Sweetbay will become a Winn-Dixie. Winn-Dixie stores always seem kind of dirty and cramped, and I really dislike stores that require a membership card to get their sales. If I walk through the door, that alone should qualify me for their sale price.

[graciegirl]

How disappointing to hear Sweetbay will become a Winn-Dixie. Winn-Dixie stores always seem kind of dirty and cramped, and I really dislike stores that require a membership card to get their sales. If I walk through the door, that alone should qualify me for their sale price.

You know, I have the same reaction. But is is a grocery store, much needed in the area and maybe this manager will try to keep it up to "our" standards. Us old birds are clean AND thrifty.

But cleanliness in this situation has more to do with the amount in his budget for cleaning help.

We will see.

[Maiercab]

I will miss SweetBay.:wave:

[graciegirl]

I will miss SweetBay.:wave:

It is still there, it just got married and changed it's name.

[Villager Dude]

Let's bring on Wegman's to TV ?

Folks in the NE know what I am talking about and would support it.

One of the best I have seen.

[zcaveman]

How disappointing to hear Sweetbay will become a Winn-Dixie. Winn-Dixie stores always seem kind of dirty and cramped, and I really dislike stores that require a membership card to get their sales. If I walk through the door, that alone should qualify me for their sale price.

I have never though that Winn-Dixie stores were dirty or cramped. I used to use the one in Jax, FL when I lived there and the one in Spanish Springs is a great looking store - clean and spacious.

Z

[pooh]

The Winn Dixie we use to go to in St. Augustine near my son' house is a great store, too, Z.

[CFrance]

I agree about Winn Dixie. The one in Spanish Springs is spacious and clean, and the one in Wildwood is as well, although it lacks the organic and specialty section that Spanish Springs has. And I don't mind using a WD card at the checkout, especially since they give discounts on gasoline. What's not to like.