[neilbcox]

Someone mentioned yesterday that Winn Dixie has purchased the Sweat Bay stores in The Villages. Is that fact or just a rumor?

Please say it is not so! We do not need another large chain store which stocks 70% private label!

[784caroline]

Its true....Winn Dixie it is!!!

[NJblue]

Wasn't there something put out lately that even though Winn Dixie bought Sweet Bay, that they were going to maintain it as a separate entity - i.e., keep the Sweet Bay name.

[JB in TV]

NJblue, I seem to recall it being mentioned thah the name change will take place in March...

[jhrc4]

Sweet Bay, Winn Dixie, Save-a-Lot are all Owned by the same company. Sweet Bay located in Sumter Landing will be re-modeled and renamed " Winn Dixie ". Yes Sweet Bay as it is known is will be heading out, in name only.

[NJblue]

Originally Posted by jhrc4

Sweet Bay, Winn Dixie, Save-a-Lot are all Owned by the same company. Sweet Bay located in Sumter Landing will be re-modeled and renamed " Winn Dixie ". Yes Sweet Bay as it is known is will be heading out, in name only.

Too bad. Ownership and merchandise aside, I always liked the name "Sweet Bay" and found myself attracted to these stores based on name alone. "Winn Dixie" has a negative connotation for me.

[jmvalcq]

It's better for Winn Dixie to change the name now and get a good customer base before Publix opens their new store on 44 & Powell Rd. I saw the new Publix plans to totv last night.

[gustavo]

Originally Posted by neilbcox

Someone mentioned yesterday that Winn Dixie has purchased the Sweat Bay stores in The Villages. Is that fact or just a rumor?

Please say it is not so! We do not need another large chain store which stocks 70% private label!

It is true.

[Skip]

Originally Posted by neilbcox

Someone mentioned yesterday that Winn Dixie has purchased the Sweat Bay stores in The Villages. Is that fact or just a rumor?

It's always a rumor until it happens; then it's a fact and all the ones spreading the rumor will say: "I told you so!"

Skip

[Paperboy]

Winn Dixie @ Pinellas Plaza to take place sometime in March according toan employee

[Matzy]

Actually, SweetBay left The Villages in May 2013 when it was sold to BI LO LLC.
Winn Dixie also is owned by BI LO, a super market chain located in South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. 54% of the BI LO LLCompany is in hand of a Dutch-Belgium owner.
In May 2013, Sweetbay and its sister supermarket chains Harveys and Reid's were sold to BI-LO LLC for $265 million. Also included in the transaction were leases to 10 Sweetbay locations that closed in January 2013.
On October 8, 2013, BI-LO announced it would retire the Sweetbay brand, and rename all Sweetbay locations to Winn-Dixie.

[DianeM]

Whether it be called Sweet Bay or Winn Dixie, it's just a supermarket. Not really worth getting all twisted over.

[asianthree]

I hate private labels..so will shop elsewhere

[DianeM]

Private labels are often alongside the name brand goods and are usually equal to or better than for a lot less. We all look at things differently.

[Shimpy]

Originally Posted by NJblue

Too bad. Ownership and merchandise aside, I always liked the name "Sweet Bay" and found myself attracted to these stores based on name alone. "Winn Dixie" has a negative connotation for me.

I agree. Winn Dixie to me means from prior experience having to go thru can goods to find ones that are not expired.
I hate their ads that apply only those carrying their card. If i go into Publix their sale prices are for everyone but Winn Dixie will charge me more than the person behind me because I don't carry their card.