Aldi Filed An "Interior Remodel" Application For A FL Winn Dixie Fueling Aldi Conversion Speculation

Photo bySoutheastern Grocers, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bradenton shoppers who enjoy shopping at a Winn Dixie store located at 5805 Manatee Avenue West may want to take note of a remodel application that was recently filed for that location.

By now, most Floridians know that Aldi bought 400 Winn Dixie stores in the fall of 2023. And I've written about how some Floridians have wondered whether their local Winn Dixie would convert to an Aldi.

And there is a good reason for this. Aldi CEO, Jason Hart, has spoken about some Winn Dixie locations that will continue operating as Winn Dixie stores. Specifically, CEO Hart has said:

“For those stores we do not convert, our intention is that these continue to operate as Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores..."

It appears that one Bradenton store could be one of the Winn Dixie stores that will be converted if a recent filing is any indication.

The Details And An Aldi Statement: Aldi Inc. reportedly recently applied for a “tenant interior remodel” at the same address as an existing Winn-Dixie store, at 5805 Manatee Avenue West.

When asked about the application, Aldi, Inc. told Bradenton.com that Aldi is not releasing the names of Winn Dixie stores that will be converting to an Aldi, stating:

“This summer we began a phased approach to the store conversion process. We anticipate that approximately 50 stores will begin the conversion process during the latter half of 2024 - with the majority of these stores reopening as ALDI in 2025.”

The company also told Bradenton.com that building applications are “part of our planning process” and not necessarily indicative that a Winn Dixie store will convert.

The Winn Dixie in question earns 4.3 out of 5 stars on Google reviews. Many say the store is clean and well-stocked, and one reviewer even specifically mentioned a possible conversion. A reviewer named Marius wrote, in part:

"Spotless, modern, and unique. I hope they leave this store as-is with the renovation spree the company is on. Maybe SE grocers are reading this. In Sarasota, I go out of my way to shop at this store because of the health food department called Nature's Place, "a store within a store." It is a leftover gem from Sweetbay... This awesome store has a better selection than our renovated Winn Dixie in Fern Park, and the Publix down the street. I look forward to traveling here again."

The author is not affiliated with Aldi, Winn Dixie, or any other grocers.