News site TMZ.com reports that Winn-Dixie is considering a name change to drop a reference to the old South, although a chain spokesman said there are no immediate plans to do so.
“One of the largest supermarket chains based in the Southeast is considering dropping its name after nearly 100 years ... a move triggered by the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement,” TMZ reported June 25.
It reported that sources at Winn-Dixie, part of Jacksonville-based Southeastern Grocers Inc., told TMZ the chain is considering the name change because, “just like The Chicks, it deems the term ‘Dixie’ as problematic due to ties to the old south and its way of thinking.”
It said Winn-Dixie is “billed as a southern heritage brand serving Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.”
TMZ said the grocery chain doesn't have a new name chosen, “but based on the folks we spoke with it looks like it may only be a matter of time before making a switch.”
TMZ said a change would follow The Chicks dropping "Dixie" from its name.
Southeastern Grocers spokesman Joe Caldwell emailed a comment late June 25:
“At Southeastern Grocers we’re committed to cultivating an inclusive culture and community that promotes belonging, inclusion and diversity.
“As such, we stand against racism and support the Black Lives Matter movement across our country,” said Caldwell, Southeastern Grocers senior manager of corporate communications.
He continued: “Our Winn-Dixie banner has proudly served our communities for nearly 100 years, however, many things have changed during that time.
“While we have no immediate plans to rename this banner, we have always been and will continue to be responsive to the needs and concerns expressed by the communities we serve.”
Southeastern Grocers, which has supermarkets in seven states, operates 366 under the Winn-Dixie brand. It also recently acquired eight Florida
locations that were previously Earth Fare and Lucky's Markets that will be converted to Winn-Dixie stores.
The company has 107 Bi-Lo supermarkets, 46 Harveys Supermarkets and 26 Fresco y Mas stores. However, when it announced plans to drop the Bi-Lo
brand, it also agreed to sell 62 Bi-Lo and Harveys stores in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina to Food Lion.