Why is a new Publix opening across the street from an old Publix in Pembroke Pines?
Publix vs. Publix?
Usually when a new supermarket opens across the street from an existing one, it’s time for a food fight. Publix vs. Whole Foods. Winn-Dixie vs. Aldi. Trader Joe’s vs. Sprouts.
But in this case, the new store that’s opening nearby is another Publix.
What’s the deal?
Well, the grocery store double-down in Pembroke Pines is one big BOGO.
On one side of the road, we have reigning champion Publix at Paraiso Parc, 15729 Pines Blvd. Across from it, just a couple of blocks away, preparations are in the works for a new Publix at 16024 Pines Blvd. The store is expected to open later this year and will be a regular Publix, not a GreenWise, the company said.
The Lakeland-based supermarket chain plans to keep the existing Publix at Paraiso Parc open.
What’s the reasoning behind the move? It’s all about giving pleasure to the shopper, Publix says.
“As a whole, we look for opportunities to best serve our customers and, in some cases, alleviate congestion in stores, in addition to allowing for the best traffic patterns in a particular area,” Publix said in an email to the Miami Herald.
“Retailers that are in a strong financial position love to protect their territory by moving close to their existing locations,” retail real estate expert Beth Azor, CEO of Azor Advisory Services in Weston, said in a statement. “As we see a new wave of grocery store competitors coming to South Florida, it is no surprise Publix is taking an aggressive approach.”
It’s not the first time Publix has made shoppers do a double-take. The chain has opened new stores near existing Publix stores before.
In South Beach, for instance, there’s a Publix at 1045 Dade Blvd., just off Alton Road. Less than a mile away, there’s Publix on the Bay at 1920 West Ave. And a few minutes’ drive from there is the Publix at Fifth and Alton, 1100 Sixth St.
But the pattern usually goes like this: Publix builds a new store next to an old one, and then closes or demolishes the old one. That has happened in North Miami, Sunny Isles Beach, Aventura and downtown Hollywood in recent years.
But in a Pembroke Pines neighborhood, you will have your choice. And one thing is for sure:
You can now find a chicken tender Pub Sub sale on both sides of the street.
This story was originally published March 3, 2022 at 11:53 AM.
