Harveys Supermarket in Jacksonville to Become Aldi

News Summary

The Harveys Supermarket location in Downtown Jacksonville will soon be transformed into an Aldi discount grocery store, marking a significant change in the area. The store at 777 N. Market St. is expected to close by late June 2024, as part of Southeastern Grocers’ wider initiative to convert multiple locations in Northeast Florida. This conversion represents Aldi’s aggressive expansion strategy following its acquisition of Southeastern Grocers earlier this year, with a potential for 800 new stores nationwide by 2028.

Jacksonville – Downtown Jacksonville’s Harveys Supermarket will be transformed into an Aldi discount grocery store, following a growing trend of Southeastern Grocers store conversions in Northeast Florida. The Harveys location at 777 N. Market St. is set to close in late June, as per Southeastern Grocers’ announcement on May 14. This transition marks part of a larger initiative involving at least nine potential Aldi conversions of former Southeastern Grocers stores in the region.

The city of Jacksonville is currently reviewing a permit application for the conversion of the Harveys store into an Aldi format, which will encompass approximately 25,000 square feet. The conversion project comes with an estimated cost of $810,000, and after the transformation, around 6,500 square feet will remain available for lease to another tenant. Employees of the Harveys store have already been informed about the upcoming closure and are expected to have opportunities to apply for positions at the newly converted Aldi stores.

This conversion is part of Aldi’s aggressive expansion strategy, particularly after its acquisition of Jacksonville-based Southeastern Grocers Inc. in March 2024. The company aims to add about 800 more stores across the United States by 2028, enhancing its market presence. Aldi currently operates around 2,400 stores nationwide, including 14 in Northeast Florida—nine in Jacksonville and five across Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns counties.

Broader Conversion Efforts

In addition to the Harveys location in Jacksonville, another former Winn-Dixie store in St. Augustine, located at 181 Blackford Way in Shores Village Plaza, is also under review for conversion into an Aldi store. The St. Augustine store covers a total area of 37,728 square feet and may be subdivided for other tenants due to its large size. Southeastern Grocers has stated that this store will continue operating as normal, although the timeline for its closure has not been disclosed.

The engineering and architectural elements of these conversion projects are being managed by APD Engineering & Architecture PLLC from Victor, New York, for the Harveys to Aldi transition, and Interplan LLC from Altamonte Springs for the St. Augustine store. These transitions enable landlords to utilize additional space for leasing, since Aldi stores are significantly smaller, nearly half the size of the supermarkets they replace.

Aldi Store Features and Customer Benefits

The first converted Aldi store opened recently in Northwest Jacksonville at 2261 Edgewood Ave. W., showcasing a streamlined selection of products with a focus on providing lower prices for consumers. Estimates suggest that households may save up to 36% on average compared to other grocery retail options. Aldi’s business model is centered on selling predominantly its own private-label brands, with approximately 90% of its inventory consisting of exclusive products.

The conversions from Southeastern Grocers to Aldi are anticipated to increase customer traffic significantly, solidifying a loyal shopping base for the discount grocer. Aldi’s growth strategy is not limited to Jacksonville, as the company plans to convert six more Winn-Dixie stores throughout various neighborhoods, including Brierwood, Fort Caroline, and Girvin in Duval County, and locations in Fernandina Beach, Fleming Island, and St. Johns County.

Background Context

The Harveys Supermarket was originally constructed in 1981 for Winn-Dixie, which later underwent rebranding to become Harveys. With Aldi taking over these locations, the community can expect a shift in grocery shopping dynamics, which includes a no-frills shopping experience and competitive pricing. Southeastern Grocers will continue to operate the remaining stores identified for conversion until their respective closure for renovations, ensuring a smooth transition for customers and employees alike.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

C&S Wholesale Grocers Announces Closure of Baldwin Distribution Center
C&S Wholesale Grocers to Close Baldwin Distribution Center
Jacksonville’s Supermarket Transitions: Southeastern Grocers Restructures
Jacksonville Grocery Stores Restructure Amid Layoffs
Walmart Supercenter and Gas Station Coming to Jacksonville
Enson Market to Open New Location in Jacksonville
New Retail Center Coming to Palm Beach Gardens
Aldi Transforms Former Winn-Dixie Stores in Central Florida
Aldi Expands Its Grocery Presence in South Florida

Additional Resources

• Jax Daily Record: Downtown Jacksonville Harveys in Review to Become Aldi
• Wikipedia: Aldi
• News Journal Online: Aldi Opening New Florida Locations
• Google Search: Aldi grocery stores
• Jax Daily Record: First Aldi Conversion Opening March 20 in Northwest Jacksonville
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Grocery Store
• Jacksonville: The Winn-Dixie Brand Sold to Aldi in March
• Google News: Aldi expansion Florida