Food Lion to Acquire Five Winn-Dixie Stores in Southern Georgia, Opening in December

Food Lion has entered into an agreement to acquire five Winn-Dixie stores in Southern Georgia from The Winn-Dixie Company, with plans to open them in December. The grocery chain announced the deal on November 6, GlobeNewswire reported. Food Lion is an omnichannel grocery retailer based in Salisbury, North Carolina, and a company of Ahold Delhaize USA.

Food Lion's Five-Store Winn-Dixie Purchase

The five locations are at 5420 Jesup Hwy. In Brunswick, 3606 Second St. In Folkston, 1060 Lakes Blvd. In Lake Park, 220 Retreat Village in St. Simons Island and 3200 North Ashley St. In Valdosta. The stores will stay open as Winn-Dixie until the transaction is complete, pending customary closing requirements. Food Lion will convert and reopen them in mid-December with its layout, assortment and pickup and home delivery through the Food Lion To Go website or app.

"The addition of these stores will allow us to nourish more families across Georgia," said Greg Finchum, President, Food Lion. The acquisition expands Food Lion to 51 stores across Georgia. Food Lion was on track to open 10 new stores by the end of 2026; with this deal it will reach 15 new stores by year's end. Food Lion expects to hire roughly 375 associates across the five stores. Additional details, including timing for grand opening celebrations at each store, will be announced at a later date.

Food Lion's Fall Store and Promotions Moves

Food Lion plans to close its Winston Road store in Lexington, North Carolina, shortly before a new location opens in 2027, Inc. Reported on October 26. The move comes as Kroger closes about 60 stores and Albertsons closes underperforming locations, according to the same report. On October 26, Drug Store News reported that Food Lion is returning its MVP Fall Haul, offering $20 coupons after six qualifying $50+ trips between October 14 and November 25.

Food Bazaar and GDN Expand Grocery Footprints

Food Bazaar Supermarkets is acquiring 14 Western Beef supermarket locations, including four on Long Island, expanding its portfolio from 38 to 52 stores, Delimarketnews reported on November 5. Financial terms were not disclosed. GDN, controlled by Francisco de Narváez, acquired Supermercados Día Argentina, a chain with over 1,000 stores, in a deal worth about $55 million, LA NACION reported on November 5.