Winn-Dixie parent company Southeastern Grocers says it’s also interested in acquiring Lucky’s Market locations in Florida and there appear to be nine to choose from, including the Oakleaf store in West Jacksonville.
“Southeastern Grocers has expressed interest in acquiring multiple Lucky’s Market locations across the state of Florida,” said Southeastern Grocers spokesman Joe Caldwell in a statement Jan. 29.
Caldwell said he would provide more details on the acquisitions as they become available.
Lucky's Market is closing 32 of its 39 natural foods markets around the country as it reorganizes under bankruptcy laws. Of those closing, 20 are in Florida.
Publix Super Markets Inc. and Aldi announced Jan. 27 they intended to take over 11 locations, and all are in Florida.
Lucky’s is closing two stores in Northeast Florida - Oakleaf and Neptune Beach.
Publix Director of Communications and Marketing Maria Brous said Jan. 27 the company was under contract to purchase the Neptune Beach lease as well as four more Florida stores in Clermont, Naples, Orlando and Ormond Beach.
Aldi said it was in negotiations to acquire five of Lucky’s leased properties and one that it owns. Lucky's Market announced Jan. 29 those stores all are in Florida in Coral Springs, Oakland Park, Sarasota, Vineland, Orlando and Venice.
Bankruptcy records also show the Gainesville Lucky’s Market has been sold, but did not list the buyer.
The stores that remain open also are being sold. Lucky's Market announced Jan. 29 that a group led by its founders, Bo and Trish Sharon, agreed to buy those seven locations, including the Melbourne store in Florida.
Niwot, Colorado-based Lucky’s Market announced Jan. 27 that it filed for bankruptcy protection in Delaware. The Sharons founded Lucky's in 2003.