Winn-Dixie to Exit Texas and Oklahoma Markets
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. has announced plans to exit its Texas and Oklahoma operations, which consist of 71 stores in Texas, 5 stores in Oklahoma, and the distribution center and dairy plant in Fort Worth. The decision resulted from continued losses and a reduction of market share.
The company is in final negotiations to sell the dairy plant and the majority of the stores to various buyers. If buyers are not found for the remaining stores and distribution center, they will be closed, according to the company. Approximately 5,300 employees will be affected. The transactions should be completed by the end of the company?s fiscal year, June 26, 2002.
"The exiting of our Texas and Oklahoma operations will allow us to focus our management talent and capital in our core markets where we get a higher return for our shareholders. We appreciate the customer and associate loyalty we have experienced and are working to find buyers that would want to operate supermarkets in these locations," said Al Rowland, president and CEO.
The company is in final negotiations to sell the dairy plant and the majority of the stores to various buyers. If buyers are not found for the remaining stores and distribution center, they will be closed, according to the company. Approximately 5,300 employees will be affected. The transactions should be completed by the end of the company?s fiscal year, June 26, 2002.
"The exiting of our Texas and Oklahoma operations will allow us to focus our management talent and capital in our core markets where we get a higher return for our shareholders. We appreciate the customer and associate loyalty we have experienced and are working to find buyers that would want to operate supermarkets in these locations," said Al Rowland, president and CEO.