Publix Begins Renovating Richmond-area Martin’s Food Markets

Publix Super Markets Inc. has received building permits from Virginia’s Henrico County to renovate the first three of 10 Richmond-area Martin’s Food Markets that will be converted to the Publix banner, according to a published report.

Each renovation is estimated to cost around $2 million, The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported. One was previously a Ukrop’s location before becoming a Martin’s store in 2010.

The three stores could close for the work to be done as early as Nov. 28, according to the newspaper, which added that 438 associates would be put out of work by the closures.

Publix has disclosed plans overhaul on a rolling basis the 10 Martin’s stores it acquired when Ahold and Delhaize needed to sell off some locations to satisfy antitrust requirements ahead of the two grocery conglomerates’ merger last July.

Publix hasn’t revealed how long the stores will be closed for renovations, but noted that the work done on the stores would be extensive.

In other news, Publix also said it would build a ground-up store in the area.