BI-LO stores purchased by Publix to close Oct. 19

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The seven Charlotte-area BI-LO stores that were bought out by Publix will officially close on Oct. 19.

The Huntersville BI-LO put up "store closing" signs and have already discounted items.

A sign reading "everything must go" could be seen in the window of the store.

Publix announced Friday that it is buying seven stores from Bi-Lo, doubling its presence in the region to 14 stores within the next couple of years.

"Our associates and customers alike have long asked us to come to North Carolina. We're excited about that. It makes a natural progression for us," said Publix spokeswoman Maria Brous.

Brous said this will make 14 stores in the Charlotte area, including seven already announced.

Publix plans to start from scratch when hiring staff for the seven stores it's taking over, and two BI-LO employees told Channel 9 privately they're worried their jobs will be gone with the BI-LO name.

WSOC