With Some FL Winn Dixie Stores Converting To Aldi, Some Are Reportedly Concerned About Jobs

Photo byPCHS-NJROTC, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

I've been reporting on Florida Winn Dixie stores converting to Aldi stores for months now. In some instances, Aldi has made statements that have implied that Winn Dixie employees will be given a chance to apply to the new Aldi store.

For example, I've written about an Aldi spokesperson saying that Winn Dixie employees would have the opportunity to be the "first to apply" to an upcoming Melbourne Aldi that was converted from a Winn Dixie. I've also written about employees in a Pensacola Winn Dixie reportedly being given hiring priority for a converted Aldi.

Reported Concerns For Winn Dixie Employees: Some readers of these articles commented that Winn Dixie employees shouldn't be forced to apply. Some commented that since Aldi doesn't have meat, deli, or bakery departments, some employees will be left out.

And it's true that I've written about a warn letter dated in late July of 2024 that outlined the closure of a converting Lakeland Winn Dixie that in turn laid off 48 employees, per the warn letter. However, according to Supermarket News, the employees were able to apply for new jobs with Aldi.

Additionally, some Winn Dixie employees have spoken out to a Florida publication and on social media. For example, the publication Gulflife.com reportedly heard from two people claiming to be Winn Dixie employees. One source reportedly told the publication that employees are sometimes given very little notice of conversions because management doesn't "want everyone walking out.”

Concerns Expressed On Social Media: On a social media post, a person with the handle Tebowfan815 claimed to be a Winn Dixie employee with 18 years of experience who was currently working as a front-end specialist and asked for input on what he could expect working for Aldi. The top reply, from a poster with the handle beeftaco, was:

"Then you'll most likely be a cashier. Your experience and time (working) in another store means nothing to Aldi. You'll start off with base pay for the position you take. It's very corporate-oriented."

And a user named PoiSidon77 replied, in part:

"There is no similar position with Aldi. There are only 4 at max 5 employees on a given shift for the entire store..."

A Comment By A Winn Dixie Employee Who Was Hired By Aldi: In spite of the above, there is a social media comment from someone with the handle OkFisherman1226 who said they were a Winn Dixie employee working as a customer service associate. The poster indicated they were "pursued" by Aldi for full-time employment as a lead store associate. So not all concerns are negative.

Feedback By Employees For Both Stores: Aldi earns 3.2 out of 5 stars on Indeed when reviewed by employees. Many say it is a great place to work and some mention the benefits, but a few said the work environment was fast-paced.

Employees give Winn Dixie 3.5 out of 5 stars on Indeed. Some called the work environment fun and productive, but a few complained about hours and management.

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