The Winn-Dixie store at 798 Beal Parkway in Fort Walton Beach will close for renovations in late October as part of ALDI’s plan to convert it into one of its discount supermarkets.

• This conversion follows ALDI’s recent acquisition of Southeastern Grocers and its Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners, a move that supports the company’s expansion in the Southeast region.

“We’re converting some Winn-Dixie stores to the ALDI format to better support the communities we serve,” an ALDI spokesperson told Get The Coast on Monday. “Customers can expect a quick, easy shopping experience with great products at the lowest possible prices.”

The spokesperson added that ALDI’s smaller stores stock only essential items, allowing customers to shop efficiently. The company’s exclusive brands offer savings of up to 40% on groceries without compromising quality.

• While the Beal Parkway location is temporarily closed, other area Winn-Dixie stores will continue to serve Fort Walton Beach residents. The converted store is expected to reopen as an ALDI within the next several months.

Employees at the closing Winn-Dixie have been given priority in applying to the newly converted ALDI store. The company stated it is committed to minimizing the impact on workers, offering support and opportunities including the option to transfer to neighboring Winn-Dixie locations.

This local conversion is part of ALDI’s broader expansion plan announced on March 7, 2024. The company aims to add 800 stores nationwide by the end of 2028 through a combination of new openings and store conversions.

ALDI plans to invest more than $9 billion over the next five years on its national expansion. The company anticipates converting approximately 50 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores to the ALDI format during the latter half of 2024, with the majority reopening as ALDI in 2025.