Publix is moving its Valrico location, open since 1994, at the Brandon Blvd. Shoppes and, in November, will cross S.R. 60 to open a new 54,000 sq. ft. shopping experience. Replacing the old Winn-Dixie, which closed in the Valrico Commons Shopping Center, the new store will be the first of its kind in size and design in all of Hillsborough County.
The new Publix will be built from the ground up and is currently being framed, explained Shannon Patten, media and community relations manager for Publix Super Markets Inc. The décor and layout, she added, “is unique not only for this area but also for Publix.” The only other site mirroring this design is located in Naples.
Aside from an expansion in size, the new location will offer enhanced departments and energy efficient equipment as well. The seafood section will include a large lobster tank and sushi counter. A Pacific walk area will include Eastern food trends like vegetable lo mein and sweet and sour chicken. Produce from conventional and organic farmers will be delivered seven days a week. There will also be an international cheese section offering an array of cheese varieties from all around the world.
“Our customers want to explore an array of food and services in one location,” Patten explained, adding, it will be, “a destination for food savvy shoppers.”
Some of the associates from the old Publix are already set to be transferred to the new location. Job opportunities will be available for open positions to accommodate the bigger location closer to the store opening.
“We are as excited as our customers are to get another store open in Valrico,” Patten said.
The Valrico Commons Shopping Center located at the southwest corner of S.R. 60 and Valrico Rd., will not only be welcoming the new Publix as its anchor, it will also be renovating the entire plaza. George Trujillo, director of sales and leasing for Primerica Group One, the real estate and development company in charge of the shopping center explained, “Everything is in transition. We are redoing virtually everything.” The aim is to move away from the 1980s style feel of the center and modernize. As it gets closer to opening, Trujillo added, “We will have a better idea of the other tenants there.”
The current Publix, located at 1930 S.R. 60 E. will remain open until the night before the opening of the new store. Hours are still Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. For more information regarding the current locations products and services, call 684-1758.
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