Aldi Plans to Purchase Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket Stores

Aldi, the German supermarket chain, has announced plans to acquire numerous Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket locations across the Southern United States. This strategic move is set to expand Aldi’s growing presence in the region.

In an official news release on Wednesday, Aldi revealed its intention to take over operations of approximately 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores situated in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Jason Hart, CEO of Aldi, expressed his enthusiasm for this opportunity, stating, “The time was right to build on our growth momentum and help residents in the Southeast save on their grocery bills. The transaction supports our long-term growth strategy across the United States.”

The financial details of this acquisition have not been disclosed, but the deal is expected to be finalized in the first half of 2024.

Following the acquisition, some locations will be converted into Aldi stores, while others will continue to operate under the Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket brands.

Aldi has already invested $2.5 billion in the Southeastern region since the mid-1990s. Furthermore, the company plans to open an additional 120 stores nationwide by the end of the year, bringing their total store count to over 2,400.

Despite the challenges faced by many retailers due to high inflation, grocers have proven to be resilient as consumers prioritize essential purchases, such as groceries, and are willing to spend more on them.

The sale of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket locations is part of Southeastern Grocers’ broader divestiture strategy. Southeastern Grocers, the parent company of these chains, has faced challenges in the region, including filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018 and closing nearly 100 stores at that time. Additionally, their plans to go public in 2014 and 2021 were abandoned.

As part of its divestiture, Southeastern Grocers will also be selling 28 Fresco y Más stores in a separate deal.

Anthony Hucker, CEO of Southeastern, expressed his satisfaction with the merger agreement, stating, “This merger agreement is a testament to our successful transformational journey and the tireless work of our dedicated associates who serve our communities. Aldi shares our vision to provide exceptional quality, service, and value, and this unique opportunity will further develop our business for the benefit of our customers, associates, and neighbors throughout the Southeast.”