Here in the northeast, we have many, many chain supermarkets and smaller chain and family-owned grocery stores to choose from. I will *really* miss that variety when we do someday move.
Why is (from what I've seen) there mostly only Publix and Winn Dixie in Florida and GA?
I'm not knocking Publix, btw. Some Publix stores I've seen are GREAT, others are OK. I don't know much about Winn Dixie.
Publix does not have a monopoly in the South. GA, NC and SC have some combination of the following:
Kroger
Harris Teeter (now owned by Kroger)
Piggly Wiggly
Whole Foods
Aldi
Lowe’s Foods
Food Lion
EarthFare
Sprouts
Fresh Market
Charlottesville, VA now has a Wegman’s.
As I understand it, the two have a non-compete agreement. Wegmans won't come south of Virginia and Publix won't come north of North Carolina.
I split my shopping between Walmart and Publix.
"Ceterum censeo Islam esse delendam."
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)
lovin’ my MarketBasket.
A company where the workers went on strike because they wanted to continue to work for the wonderful owner.
Successful business model, great fresh food and friendly staff.