Publix Coming to Virginia

Publix Super Markets Inc. has signed leases for two stores in Virginia, the company's first locations in the state.

The sites, at 54,000 square feet (Bristol) and 49,000 square feet (Glen Allen), are in Washington and Henrico counties, respectively. 

The Lakeland, Fla.-based grocer hasn’t yet determined grand-opening dates for the stores, although the Bristol location, in the greater Richmond area, is tentatively slated to open during the fourth quarter of 2017, with the Glen Allen store to follow in 2018.

“Being company owners, our associates continue to work diligently to exceed our customers’ expectations, which has allowed Publix to experience continued growth,” noted Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw, who plans to retire at the end of April and will be succeeded by President Todd Jones.  “As we enter new markets and continue to open new stores, our associates prepare for new opportunities, which supports our culture of promotion from within. We look forward to providing the great state of Virginia with the high-quality service and products that our customers have come to expect and that have earned us recognition throughout the industry.”

Virginia will be the grocer’s seventh state of operation. In September 2012, the company revealed its expansion into North Carolina, opening its first location there in February 2014. The company said it plans “aggressive growth” not only in Virginia, but also across its current footprint of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and South and North Carolina.    

Privately owned and operated by its 179,000 employees, Publix operates 1,111 stores.