CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Grocery giant Publix is making another big play in its move into North Carolina and the Charlotte area specifically.
Publix announced Friday that it is buying seven stores from Bi-Lo, doubling its presence in the region to fourteen 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.
Claudia Villarroel has been shopping at a Bi-Lo for nine years, since she moved to Charlotte from Florida, so she knows all about Publix and what to expect.
"I grew up on Publix, so yes there is a preference. I do like their brand," Villarroel said.
Brous said this will make 14 stores in the Charlotte area, including seven already announced.
It's a direct challenge to Harris Teeter, which is being sold to the Kroger grocery chain, part of a shakeup in the grocery business here that started when Publix announced it was moving in.
"Publix is a strong performer. They perform well above average when you consider Bilo, Harris Teeter, Food Lion," said grocery/retail analyst David Livingston.
Livingston said there will still be enough players to keep competition up and prices down.
"I think you're getting better competition in the marketplace and I think the consumer and the customer are the ones who are really going to benefit," Livingston said.
But the same may not be said for Bi-Lo employees.
Publix plans to start from scratch when hiring staff for the seven stores it's taking over, and two Bi Lo employees told me privately today they're worried their jobs will be gone with the Bi-Lo name.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.