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.
9 Responses
“The spokesperson added that ALDI’s smaller stores stock only essential items..” Winn-Dixie has everything I need – a Dollar General is for essentials..
That Winn-Dixie’s seafood counter is essential – but Aldi hasn’t any fresh seafood..
Seems like it’s the Aldi that isn’t essential; maybe keep them down by the beach condos for the tourists. Converting this particular Winn-Dixie is a bad idea; it was the best one of the two we have (had)…
I have been in the Aldi’s on Mary Esther Cutoff twice. There wasn’t a single thing in the whole store that I would buy. Aldi’s doesn’t carry my essentials. I am very unhappy about losing this WD. I will never set foot in this new store, and I don’t want to shop at any Aldi’s, ever.
As A Chef I Love the Beal Parkway Store I Know All the Employees and I Always receive exceptional service There it is A Shame to take away this Store From This Community It really broke my heart to find out the are Putting A Aldi’s there No Bakery No Fresh Seafood SMH I Will NOT be supporting this store. We Really need this Winn Dixie Store in our community to stay where it is
I hate the idea of closing my Winn Dixie…been shopping there almost 20 years, loved the courtesy of the wonderful employees, you are making a big mistake. We already have an Aldi’s less than 3 miles from this location. Why do we need to useless stores?
I love Aldi and will be happy to have one close to home!
The best store in USA si Aldi
Where are we supposed get our fresh grocery items. Fresh Baked goods. Fresh seafood. Fresh produce. I visited the one in Crestview FL. I say visited not shopped because they didn’t have the basics. Bread and milk was not sold there, so I go to the Dollar General.
Winn Dixie also carried a lot of grocery items not available at the other store. Prices were better on same brand items.
I love everything about Winn Dixie and have never shopped at aldi. When this one opens it will be my first time. I just hope to see the friendly faces who worked at the old store because really that’s what makes the experience special. It’s the amazing people.
I absolutely love Aldis. I also love Winn Dixie. However with the cost of groceries at the time, I tend to shop Aldi more often. Yes they do not have everything that I need, but that is only one extra stop before or after! Their brands have been very good, and to be honest, I shop the Niceville store most often because the manager there, Skye, is great about making announcements about new items, and markdowns. I find that store to be better stocked and better maintained for my needs! I’m hoping the new one on Beal will be better, because it’s just around the block and an easy stop on the way home from work!!