New Publix on Hwy 98 in SoWal breaking ground

OK - I feel I need to stem the tide a bit - BUY LOCAL.

We don't need more chains or stores. Everything you need you can now get in SoWal. If we don't have it you don't need it. If you do need something exotic from afar, like plaid clothing, you can get it delivered to your door. The prices in SoWal may be a bit higher but you can save money on gas, and you are supporting our neighbors.

Even when grocery stores were farther away, didn't you go less often, saving time, hassle, and possibly money? I think it comes down to a psychological need to go somewhere and shop, to acquire things, to hunt and gather. Why else would someone make a long trip to Target 20 miles away to buy a blender, which by the way is most likely made in China. Please - stop the madness!

Go to For The Health Of It, Modica Market, Seagrove Market, Blue Mountain Liquors, Movies By The Sea, lillypads, Shops Of Grayton, Toni's Market, Big Daddy's, Wild Olives, Sally's By The Sea Store, Design, Gigi's, Perpetual Imagination, Sundog Books, Central Square Records, Fonville Press, Big Mama's, Yellowfin, Ono, Goatfeathers, . . . . the list goes on and on.

Why are we in such a hurry to make 98 in SoWal look like 98 in neighboring counties? The same goes for 331. Why does progress equal more choices and more places to spend money?

A final thought - if you feel a burning desire to spend your $600 government "see we're here to help" rebate, spend it local!

Kurt ~ we do agree with you ... please support LOCAL businesses and we do very often .... but if we had a choice between another Publix and Fresh Market, we would be way more excited about a Trader Joes or a Whole Foods. ....

OUCH! My wife grew up in Destin, she really had to adjust her perceptions when I moved her to Freeport!

But I love it- live on the water, can drop my boat in the water with the flip of a switch, and steam up a mess of blue crabs as soon as I empty them from the traps at my dock. Sure, we don't have big blue wayfinding signs or those architectural review boards to deal with, but I can go and shoot my gun in my yard if I feel like making a little noise, and I've never once been thrown out of the Lucky Star for drinking too much. As for Kelleys, where else can you go to get milk, bread, tampons and grocery store feet? And keep the money local...

Is there another Destin, one that is a world renowned center of culture and the arts?

:rofl:

Publix is great, I almost never go to the Fresh Market around the corner from me here in SoTamp because it is generally overpriced and overrated. I went yesterday and OK, the Fresh Market Two Bite Brownies are awesome, and so is the Butternut Squash Soup. But other than special occasions/entertaining solutions/desperation I don't go there at all.

Back to Publix ... I will say again that Publix very much knows what it is doing in the way of store placement. If they are adding stores in Walton and Bay counties, you never know -- one of them may end up being a Publix GreenWise, which is their answer to Whole Paycheck and Trader Joe's. They have announced six of them already, including one that is being built in Tampa very close to me that will simultaneously level about six local organic and natural food stores, plus the Fresh Market, the very minute it opens early next year. I think their GreenWise Market concept is just starting, so if you hear rumors about Publix buying property anywhere up there where it seems like it may be "too close" to another store, please be sure and ask about GreenWise and then post what you hear.

Or something similar by a local business person who knows good food, food service, and has a following in the area. :scratch:;-)

Was this a "hint" for someone in particular? Or just wishful thinking? We had a "local" guy back home that fit your profile... I miss knowing my butcher.

:rofl:

Publix is great, I almost never go to the Fresh Market around the corner from me here in SoTamp because it is generally overpriced and overrated. I went yesterday and OK, the Fresh Market Two Bite Brownies are awesome, and so is the Butternut Squash Soup. But other than special occasions/entertaining solutions/desperation I don't go there at all.

Back to Publix ... I will say again that Publix very much knows what it is doing in the way of store placement. If they are adding stores in Walton and Bay counties, you never know -- one of them may end up being a Publix GreenWise, which is their answer to Whole Paycheck and Trader Joe's. They have announced six of them already, including one that is being built in Tampa very close to me that will simultaneously level about six local organic and natural food stores, plus the Fresh Market, the very minute it opens early next year. I think their GreenWise Market concept is just starting, so if you hear rumors about Publix buying property anywhere up there where it seems like it may be "too close" to another store, please be sure and ask about GreenWise and then post what you hear.

Interesting - I think the new location is too close to the one on Mack Bayou area and then there's also the one just across Bay County line and the one at WaterColor Crossing. To me, Freeport on 331 makes more sense as you would get locals shopping up there, and tons of tourists, mostly on their way into SoWal. I think we were all surprised at the new location so soon, and there still hasn't been a formal announcement that I know of. A greenwise version makes sense in an area where the money flows freely and our stores here are high grossers.

http://www.publix.com/wellness/greenwise/stores/Home.do

This is a one-stop shopping destination for anyone who appreciates organic, all-natural, and earth-friendly products, excellent food, and a thoroughly enjoyable shopping experience. Here, you can enjoy a delicious freshly prepared meal, surf the Internet, or fill your basket with artisan cheeses, fine wines, handcrafted fresh breads, and much more.

Thank you, SJ and Sowalgayboi, for your continued love, support, and belief in the validity of my gossip.

It means a lot. (sniff)

No problem, god knows I love good true gossip.

To me, local encompasses everything from Hwy 231 in Panama City to the Marler Bridge in Destin.

It used to include Fort Walton Beach, but man it's a pain to get over there now.

Also, the kids don't hang out in SoWal. That honor currently goes to Destin Commons, which I have come to despise. Sometimes they run around Seaside, but to me, that's as exciting as having a rash.

No offense, but if Destin Commons were around when you were a shallowsquirt wouldn't you have hung out there?

Are you on their payroll? Publix is really nice but The Fresh Market serves those of us who want quality, not quantity, who want the best available when entertaining and hard to find items. However, Trader Joe's or Whole Foods would be the best! Yes, Kelly's is a sad excuse for a store but why does Freeport need more? I have had relatives in Freeport for generations and other than living there 100 years, who wants to live there?

I'm just curious as to what you can't find at Publix that they weren't willing to order for you?

Was this a "hint" for someone in particular? Or just wishful thinking? We had a "local" guy back home that fit your profile... I miss knowing my butcher.

Me or Dave? A gay butcher, I haven't been called that yet on sowal, unless you count Tootsie's critique of my use of there/their.

I just have to point out that I was raised on Publix and taught that I was shopping locally. Since Publix was started and is based in Florida. Just depends on your definition of local.

Well my philosophy is to call and ask. It will be a full service Publix and its being built there at 393. They are not concerned about it being close to Grand Sandestin, as they feel that it will be a great location for Santa Rosa Beach and Freeport.

No time frame for beginning or finishing.

Well my philosophy is to call and ask. It will be a full service Publix and its being built there at 393. They are not concerned about it being close to Grand Sandestin, as they feel that it will be a great location for Santa Rosa Beach and Freeport.

No time frame for beginning or finishing.

Thank you. That is what I was told locally at other stores, but they have been quiet at HQ. Who did you speak to?

Well my philosophy is to call and ask. It will be a full service Publix and its being built there at 393. They are not concerned about it being close to Grand Sandestin, as they feel that it will be a great location for Santa Rosa Beach and Freeport.

No time frame for beginning or finishing.

Since it is maybe only a quarter mile closer to Freeport, than the WaterColor Publix, I'm not sure how that is a great location for shoppers coming from Freeport.

Thank you. That is what I was told locally at other stores, but they have been quiet at HQ. Who did you speak to?

I have a friend in management in Orlando.

Since it is maybe only a quarter mile closer to Freeport, than the WaterColor Publix, I'm not sure how that is a great location for shoppers coming from Freeport.

Not sure the Watercolor one will be that affected. Most from Freeport that have become comfortable shopping at WaterColor will continue. Others that use the GrandSandestin one will probably shop at the new one.

Maybe I should clarify. A "great" location for a Publix, for people living in Freeport, is Freeport, not SoWal, where the people from Freeport have to make a 30+ mile round trip to shop for groceries. If it is the same distance as the WC location, I'd probably hit the 98 store to avoid some of the seasonal masses, and maybe get lower prices.

Maybe I should clarify. A "great" location for a Publix, for people living in Freeport, is Freeport, not SoWal, where the people from Freeport have to make a 30+ mile round trip to shop for groceries. If it is the same distance as the WC location, I'd probably hit the 98 store to avoid some of the seasonal masses, and maybe get lower prices.

It has always been my experience that the WaterColor Publix is higher on almost everything.

Not sure the Watercolor one will be that affected. Most from Freeport that have become comfortable shopping at WaterColor will continue. Others that use the GrandSandestin one will probably shop at the new one.

For someone that needs directions to travel 30A, you sure find out alot of stuff!

For someone that needs directions to travel 30A, you sure find out alot of stuff!

Oh I have contacts all over the Southeast, just need directions sometimes to find the local locations. But hey I manage and I could find most anything on 30-A with time; but its more fun to ask all of you.

Maybe I should clarify. A "great" location for a Publix, for people living in Freeport, is Freeport, not SoWal, where the people from Freeport have to make a 30+ mile round trip to shop for groceries. If it is the same distance as the WC location, I'd probably hit the 98 store to avoid some of the seasonal masses, and maybe get lower prices.

Totally agree, maybe they will get one eventually.

But I asked my contact was the new location not really close to GrandSandestin and Watercolor and wouldn't the new one affect the business at those locations.

And I was told that GrandSandestin felt that the only business they would lose to it, is Freeport. So I guess they feel they have enough to support 3 stores in a very close proximity to each other.

And yes based on locations in the Orlando area and the variances in prices based on where the store is located, it will not surprise me to see the prices somewhat lower on the 98 location.

But I asked my contact was the new location not really close to GrandSandestin and Watercolor and wouldn't the new one affect the business at those locations.

And I was told that GrandSandestin felt that the only business they would lose to it, is Freeport. So I guess they feel they have enough to support 3 stores in a very close proximity to each other.

I think they are working on the same principle as Starbucks! :roll:

Why is charging different prices for the same goods not illegal price fixing?
They can't seriously justify different prices for stores that close together! :angry:

SoWal Trivia! What establishment used to sit on the site of the "proposed" new Publix?

There are no prizes involved. Just checking to see how long y'all been here.

I hope you are wrong about the Fresh Market pulling out of Pier Park. The problem with the FM in Destin is because it sits back in a hole and is not very visible from the road. Some real idiots that design these shopping strip malls, take the bonefish in PCB for example. They have it turned around with the back facing the road, absolutely brilliant.

take the bonefish in PCB for example. They have it turned around with the back facing the road, absolutely brilliant.

Isn't that crazy?!

I. Some real idiots that design these shopping strip malls, take the bonefish in PCB for example. They have it turned around with the back facing the road, absolutely brilliant.

Do you suppose they were on the TDC, or the BCC, or sit on the Coastal 3000 Board or maybe they got their training working as Florida DOT highway planners?

That whole shopping center in Destin where Fresh Market is located is a mess. There's a sizeable complex, and it's about 80% vacant. The only stores that have located there are FM, Marshall's, a nail place, and a sub shop.

Look at it from the highway or access road, and it looks either under construction or abandoned. My guess is that filling in the vacant storefronts would help out the FM's sales.

I think they are working on the same principle as Starbucks! :roll:

Why is charging different prices for the same goods not illegal price fixing?
They can't seriously justify different prices for stores that close together! :angry:

No it is not price fixing. That involves multiple businesses conspiring together.

Yes they can and they do. The funny thing is that if it's so ineffective why is the WC Publix packed even in the off season?

I hope you are wrong about the Fresh Market pulling out of Pier Park. The problem with the FM in Destin is because it sits back in a hole and is not very visible from the road. Some real idiots that design these shopping strip malls, take the bonefish in PCB for example. They have it turned around with the back facing the road, absolutely brilliant.

Yep, real dumb. I mean why wouldn't you want it facing the street so that people would park in the back by the dumpster and grease trap. Better yet push it way back so it is not visible and then put the parking up front so that the average person driving by will simply see a beautiful parking lot. :roll:

There's a Bonefish in PCB? Where?

Actually, I'm serious. Apparently I haven't noticed it.

Why is charging different prices for the same goods not illegal price fixing?
They can't seriously justify different prices for stores that close together! :angry:

It's all about the rent, demand and competition. Price fixing is a different story all together, and happens when competitors (different owners) conspire to set prices at the same level. Publix opening new stores, no matter if the prices are the same or different has nothing to do with price fixing.

I'll give you an example of price fixing, which is illegal BTW. Real Estate Broker A and Real Estate Brokers B, C, D, and E, collaborate and create an understanding that each will charge somewhere 10% brokerage fees. Being that these brokers are the only ones operating in the community, the sellers who don't go "for sale by owner" are left with no open market competition and have to pay the 10%. However, as long as there is no mutual agreement between the brokers, regarding fees, they can each charge 10% without being involved in price fixing, because their is no conspiracy, and each broker may change their rates and fees as they see fit.