101-year-old grocery chain is shrinking: 27 stores closing across four states
As part of a restructuring process, the U.S. grocery chain Winn-Dixie is closing 27 stores, while approximately 220 former branches are planned to be converted into Aldi locations.
12punto
Winn-Dixie, a grocery chain with over 100 years of history in the U.S., has decided to narrow its store network as part of a restructuring process. The company has closed or initiated the closure process for a total of 27 stores in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and Georgia during 2026.
The closure decisions are being evaluated as part of the structural changes the chain has accelerated in recent years. Winn-Dixie concluded its operations in Alabama in 2025, shifting its focus to the southern parts of Florida and Georgia. In the first part of 2026, the company also changed its corporate title from Southeastern Grocers to The Winn-Dixie Company.
ALDI CONVERSION TO BE COMPLETED IN 2027
The restructuring will not be limited to store closures. Under the plan, approximately 220 stores that previously operated under the Winn-Dixie and Harveys banners are expected to serve under the Aldi brand. The signage and concept conversion is expected to be completed by 2027.
While some stores in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi are changing hands, it has been decided to completely terminate operations at some locations deemed inefficient. These steps indicate that increasing competitive pressure in the U.S. retail sector is reshaping the chain's store strategy.
The shift in consumer preferences toward budget-focused chains like Aldi and Walmart on one hand, and brands offering more selective product portfolios like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods on the other, are cited among the factors increasing the pressure on Winn-Dixie.
However, Winn-Dixie is not pursuing a strategy of total contraction. The company aims to strengthen its presence in Florida, which stands out as its primary market. In this context, it was stated that 9 stores in the state were modernized in 2026 and that new store openings are continuing.