Grocery giant Publix, often lauded as superior to competitors like Walmart, is preparing for a significant operational shift. This includes a day-long shutdown of over 1,400 stores and the impending closure of a location that has served customers for two decades. Let's delve into the details of these changes and what they mean for shoppers.
Publix will close all its stores on December 25th (Christmas Day). This is a common practice among major retailers, allowing employees to enjoy the holiday with their loved ones. Other stores following suit include Whole Foods, Costco, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Target, Aldi, and Trader Joe's.
But here's where it gets interesting: Publix will also have reduced hours on Christmas Eve, closing all locations at 7 pm local time. This is 3 hours earlier than the usual closing time of 10 pm, so last-minute shoppers, take note! Customers are advised to check the Publix website for specific store hours.
NOT COMING BACK?
While customers can expect to shop at Publix on Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas, there's a permanent closure looming. A 20-year-old Publix store in the Atlantic Station area of Atlanta, Georgia, is reportedly slated to close. The exact date is set for December 26th.
This particular store is smaller than others, spanning 30,312 square feet, and has an underground parking garage with elevator access, which could limit the amount of groceries customers can buy. However, it's important to remember that the closure isn't confirmed, as plans are still being finalized. The store's lease is expiring, and the landlord recently chose Lidl over Publix for a new store project nearby.
Shocking Store Closures 2025
The retail landscape is constantly evolving, and 2025 has seen its share of store closures across the United States. Here’s a quick rundown of some notable examples:
- Joann Fabrics: Filed for bankruptcy in January (after first filing in 2024), shuttering all 800 locations across 49 states, but is attempting a comeback.
- Claire’s: Filed for bankruptcy in August, resulting in 235 brand name stores and 56 Icing locations closing.
- Forever 21: Filed for bankruptcy in March, leading to approximately 354 US store closures by May, with tentative plans for a comeback.
- Macy’s: In the process of closing 150 stores by 2026, with around 66 locations already shuttered this year.
- Party City: Bankruptcy in December 2024, with closures continuing into 2025, resulting in about 850 stores shutting down. There are no remaining Party City stores.
- Dollar General: About 96 Dollar General locations and 45 pOpshelf stores have closed or will close in 2025.
- GameStop: Over 400 locations for the brand shuttered in January, with an additional 38 axed months later. Around 1,000 also closed in 2024.
- CVS: About 270 locations have shuttered as part of a broad restructuring plan.
- Walgreens: About 500 to close by the end of 2025, with hundreds already shut down in recent months. The goal is 1,200 total in the coming years.
- Carter’s: Several stores have closed this year as part of a larger plan of 150 shutterings by 2028.
STILL EXPANDING
Despite the closures, Publix is also expanding. Six new stores opened between September 13th and 25th across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Other new stores also arrived in Kentucky and Florida before that.
What do you think about these changes? Do you agree with those who say Publix is better than Walmart? Are you concerned about the store closures? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
