LAKELAND, Fla.–Publix Super Markets will acquire the leases for two Western Market locations near Birmingham, Alabama. The location in Mountain Brook will open as a GreenWise Market. The Vestavia Hills location will open as a Publix. The acquisition is expected to close in March.
“Publix is always seeking locations where we can serve our customers and offer an exceptional shopping experience,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones. “This acquisition allows us to expand our presence in the Birmingham area, and we are very excited to bring one of our GreenWise Markets to this region.”
“Western Market has been serving Alabama for 70 years,” said Western Market CEO Ken Hubbard. “I am happy to know our spirit of service, dedication to our people and community involvement will continue through Publix. I believe this is the best grocer to serve our loyal customers into the future.”
Impacted Western Market employees are encouraged to pursue job opportunities at Publix and will be provided with details on how to apply for employment.
The Mountain Brook location at 1000 Jemison Lane is the seventh announced GreenWise Market and is expected to open by the third quarter of 2019.
The Vestavia Hills store at 3350 Morgan Drive will be torn down and rebuilt as an approximately 35,000-square-foot Publix. The opening date is not yet determined.
Publix is privately owned and operated by its more than 200,000 employees, with 2017 sales of $34.6 billion. Currently, Publix has 1,211 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. The company has been named one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for 21 consecutive years. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company’s website, corporate.publix.com.
