Publix has announced the closure of seven stores in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, a move that comes as the supermarket chain navigates evolving consumer spending habits and economic pressures. The company reported a modest 1% increase in profits in its latest earnings statement, alongside challenges attributed to the Inflation Reduction Act, which has adjusted Medicare reimbursement rates for certain drugs.
Retail experts suggest that the growing popularity of GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, may be contributing to reduced grocery purchases. Scott Mushkin of R5 Capital told industry analysts at Grocery Dive that the increasing use of these drugs is leading consumers to buy less food, potentially impacting supermarket revenues.
Publix, the largest employee-owned grocery chain in the United States, operates over 1,440 stores across eight southeastern states. Florida alone accounts for approximately 900 of these locations. The chain is known for its extensive selection of products and its popular custom deli sandwiches, often referred to as "Pub Subs."
The following Publix stores are scheduled to close in 2026:
Florida:
- 5577 Park Street N., St. Petersburg
- 8250 Mills Drive, Miami
- 828 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach
- 4711 Babcock Street NE, Palm Bay
Georgia:
- 1380 Atlantic Drive NW, Atlanta
- 2562 Shallowford Road NE, Chamblee
South Carolina:
- 208 Saint James Ave., Goose Creek
While the West Palm Beach and Palm Bay locations are slated for closure, Publix has indicated plans to replace these stores in the future, though no specific timeline has been provided.
Concurrently, Publix is also opening several new locations. Six new stores are set to open in October 2026 in Alabama, Kentucky, Florida, and North Carolina. These openings include locations in Athens, Alabama; Florence and Independence, Kentucky; Bradenton, Florida; Fayetteville and Sunset Beach, North Carolina.