| A new look for Winn-Dixie |
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| Tuesday, 10 June 2008 | |
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Without much fanfare, Downtown's only grocery store has continued to improve itself with renovations now nearing completion.
The Interior
The Exterior
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June 10, 2008, 7:58 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
I have visited the store during the renovation. I must say the store looks likes nice, but the clientele is still the same. I guess if more people who lived Downtown and Springfield would go there, it wouldn't seem so bad.
June 10, 2008, 8:02 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
I suspect the clientele is actually the people who live in the neighborhood. Doubt if many people from San Marco or Riverside are making the trip to visit it downtown
June 10, 2008, 8:14 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
lipstick on a pig
June 10, 2008, 8:15 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
Thank you Winn-Dixie. I'll give you another try.
When does the police substation become operational?
And when will the wine section look like the WD's at University and San Jose?
Keep spiffing it up, addressing staff quality, pressuring parking lot environment, and advertising with pics downtown, and you might get more downtown worker traffic.
June 10, 2008, 8:30 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
Anyone that has shopped at this Winn Dixie at any time in the past will appreciate how much this store has improved.
June 10, 2008, 8:33 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
I realize you Floridians get spoiled by having Publix everywhere, but you have to realize the position WD is in in this location.
WD can't just eliminate it's current customer base with no guarantee that the more upscale DT workers and S'field/DT residents will fill the void.
If you want the store to serve YOUR needs then you have to start shopping there. Period.
Is there really anything different between Publix milk and eggs and WD milk and eggs (except they cost less)? I know they don't sell the 'Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken to-go' type items, but if you mention that to the manager while you are standing there with a full basket, he might start putting some thought to the idea of offering it.
The store manager (and corporate WD) know who is paying their salary. You can't expect them to offer high-priced items that the current customers don't desire, on the hope that someone else will fill their shoes.
Besides, are the current customers really harming you? Just because someone is on a lower economic rung doesn't make them a threat. Besides, the S'field and DT crowd should be use to it.
June 10, 2008, 8:39 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
Thank you Vic.
June 10, 2008, 8:41 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
It's not the lower economic rung I am worried about, its the drunk, homeless looking types that come in. I was in there the other night and had this guy in line right behind me being loud and obnoxious and treating the clerk behind the counter like crap. It was very uncomfortable. The policeman standing at the door didn't even do anything about it. That's the less desireable clientele I am talking about. I am speaking from direct experiences. I have tried to give that store my business to help our local Fortune 500 company. I will go back, but that one experience I had, will keep the average Downtown worker from going there as they flee Downtown at 5pm.
June 10, 2008, 8:53 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
Thanks Vic that was my exact point. People who work downtown and don't live there won't shop there no matter what. Its just not going to happen, doesn't matter if its a publix or a w/d or a food lion and I seriously don't believe that whole foods is going to locate a store there anytime soon. If you have a problem and theres a cop there complain.
June 10, 2008, 9:20 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
the one at Old Kings Rd & Baymeadows Rd (near Philips) has been getting a major renewal as well. even I - who despises Winn Dixie - have to admit they have done more than just a lipstick on a pig. this is just the physical renewal though. for me to go there regularly, i will have to go in there and:
1) see produce dropped by the stock boy and him NOT put it back up on the rack (even if he doesn't see me see him this time)
2) the store will not be allowed to smell like it is an outdoor seafood market
3) the store manager will need to be more hands on and out on the floor
in short though, i think they are doing this...i think WD will end up being a small success story. btw, did you hear yesterday that Publix is buying like 50 Florida Albertsons?
June 10, 2008, 9:33 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
That's another good improvement at the downtown Winn Dixie... the store doesn't smell horrible anymore.
June 10, 2008, 9:46 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
Juan Mott, the store manager, is also hardworking and on the floor.
June 10, 2008, 10:07 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
"The store manager (and corporate WD) know who is paying their salary. You can't expect them to offer high-priced items that the current customers don't desire, on the hope that someone else will fill their shoes. "
On the same note they should not expect us to rush to the store to be treated badly by the horrible staff, harassed by the drunks in the parking lot, by vagrants and hoodlums in the store itself. I have gone several times; I have had an issue almost every single time. I have had to call the police twice. I have also purchased goods when once home found they had been opened and partially eaten. I agree.... lipstick on a pig! Just cleaning up the drunks and vagrants would be a big step in the right direction, getting some decent staff would be next. Groceries are expensive, I will give my hard earned money to a store providing the goods I want, with the service I expect, safety should be the minimum they provide!
I will give them another try if I can find someone to go with me (not going alone again), but this will not be the first time I have given them "one more try".
June 10, 2008, 10:08 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
agreed....Juan has done an amazing job since taking over the store about two years ago....my only concern is that he may get transferred once the renovation is complete....and who knows what will happen then
June 10, 2008, 10:14 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
both the selection and the service are night and day.
there are still random drunks that wander in. They live in the neighborhood, but to be honest, they are way outnumbered by the springfielders and 11 easters that are shopping there.
There are even san marconians that work downtown coming in because its closer than university blvd.
If you havent been in a few months, the changes are amazing.
I have to say ennis, this whole philosophy that shops need to spring from the head of zeus fully formed is EXACTLY one of the issues that plagues main street.
June 10, 2008, 11:23 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
Strange, all this talk about negative experiences, I haven't had them. We still normally shop elsewhere, but are getting closer to becoming regulars as the store is remodeled. The reason for that and only problem we've had is there is usually only like 2 cashiers with 20 customers. The wait time at the register was horrendous.
There was someone that shop lifted while I was there last time, he ran out of the store after grabbing a carton of cigarettes from behind the counter. The manager was trying to get the cop that was apparently walking around on his cell phone and not listening to the overhead speakers calling for him. They finally after what seemed like forever, flagged him down and told him (he was still on his phone), then he and the manager ran out of the store. By that time, there was no one in site, but various customers were pointing them in the right direction. Once, the JSO annex is there, maybe that will not be an issue either.
By the way, I believe the store manager is a former UFC/Pride fighter. Or atleast, that is the rumor.
June 10, 2008, 11:57 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
I'm interested in seeing how the store has changed. I used to deliver beer there years ago and it was my least favorite place to deliver to because of what everyone else has already mentioned. It was the only store on my route that had an enormous amount of stolen beer and left over trash. There used to be empty beer cans hidden all over the store and in the bathroom. It is amazing how the quality of a store can differ depending on where it is.
June 10, 2008, 12:10 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
The service has been really great. They finally installed checkout counters that were designed this century----which amazingly helps a lot.
Last year there were about five (out of 10 total) cashiers who needed to be taken out and vigorously and enthusiastically flogged in hemming park for about 35 minutes a day as a result of their lifechanging rudeness and incompetence.
All of those goblins are gone. They have pretty much an all new staff, and these people amazingly dont use the word 'fuck' even once during the checkout. Not even the more casual version like 'f***ing'..
I got in, found fresh salmon (and by fresh, i mean it was actual salmon that wouldnt qualify as an excursion into paleozoology) cat food and heavy whipping cream and was out in under 8 minutes.
Last year, 8 minutes was the time it took for the cashiers to stop spilling the beans on their friends before even acknowledging your existence. (half the time, obviously, with a barely heard variant of the word 'f***')
But now. Its almost like shopping in the suburbs.
June 10, 2008, 12:11 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
I frequently visit this store to buy supplies for my office and I can report that it is now FAR better than how it had been. Before, it was just filthy with filthy clientele to match. Now, the store is clean, looks new and is designed better. Some of the same old clientele is still there but these people live in East Springfield (or the Eastside) and to a lesser extent in unrehabbed homes in Springfield. Also, there are a few bums there on occasions. Remember though that there is always a JSO cop present and that these people are really harmful only to themselves. So, I would recommend it to anyone.
Oh and the manager is a former ultimate fighter although he is a real nice guy. If you want the store to stock something in particular, it is always best to mention it to the manager and he will try to stock it if there is enough demand.
June 10, 2008, 12:33 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
I can attest to that. Several species of oils and vinegars are there by requests on our part.
June 10, 2008, 4:46 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
These great comments have sparked my curiousity. I just may have to check it out and see for myself. It sounds like their somewhat new manager is doing a decent job. Good management can make a huge difference.
June 11, 2008, 6:29 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
After reading the posts here, I had to go check this place out again. I was very pleasantly surprised when coming in, no more truck bombing barricades to get in or out the doors and lots of light in the entry now. I must admit the new façade reminds me of an old 70’s style stores. The produce department is like a night a day, I even found a few organic veggies. The bakery is pretty good too. The store overall is cleaner, brighter, and that strange I haven’t been washed in two decades smell is gone. I only needed three items, which took about six minutes to gather up while looking around the store. When I got to the check outs I noticed something amazing, there were about five staffed checkouts! I got into a line with one person, items on the belt in front me. At this point I am thinking, wow maybe this place really has changed, but another five minutes passes and I realize it is all a pipedream. The lady in front of me had like ten items, of course her daughter kept bringing more and more up as she was checking out. Our clerk, though nice enough had an on-going conversation with the other clerks working AND the manager on duty. Now they are pretty spread out so they are all yelling back and forth at each other. I must admit this was pretty bad, but the four “N-bombs” they dropped were bad but the three “F” were even worse. Why spend all that money to fix the place up and then keep staff like this? The manager (not Juan) and the head clerk or whatever was doing the cash and yelling to the clerks to leave their customers to walk to the customer service desk to get cash for their drawer! Plus when I got home my Activia was OPEN and someone had been digging into it!
On the flip side I stopped at the market at 3rd and Market (Shop and Save) and picked up the few items that Winn-Dixie didn’t have. Now these people were VERY polite, professional, and quick…night and day, and they REALLY are in our neighborhood.
June 11, 2008, 7:33 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
You should report your experience to the store manager. That's the only way situations like this will be resolved.
June 11, 2008, 7:50 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
I go to the Shop and Save at 3rd and Market all the time. The people who own it are very nice indeed!
June 11, 2008, 8:13 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
Well since there was an assistant manager and clerk supervisor there, participating, I would think this would make no difference?
June 11, 2008, 8:25 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
From my Winn-Dixie experience, it can make a difference.
June 11, 2008, 8:34 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
i think these stupid antics should be videotaped. would make a great MJ piece.
June 11, 2008, 10:56 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
Assistant managers and cashiers can be fired. Report them. That is the way to bring about change.
June 11, 2008, 11:22 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
I also want to say that the change at this location has been tremendous in both service and selection. A few months ago, I left pissed off because they did not have jalapenos--hardly an exotic item. Now the produce section has been greatly expanded--they have five types of eggplant! They now have an organic produce section and a fish counter. The checkout process is faster and friendler, too.
The managers are great. They really want to serve Springfield, downtown workers, etc. Just ask for something and they'll get.
June 12, 2008, 10:49 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
I see the cop car is still a main fixture.
June 12, 2008, 11:01 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
I'm all for convenience but when I walk in there and there are at least 5 people waiting in each of the lines I turn ans walk out. It's faster to drive to the Publix in Riverside or on Atlantic.
June 13, 2008, 12:28 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
It is faster to drive several miles through traffic than to wait for 5 people to go through check out?
BTW, I visited this Winn-Dixie again tonight and can report that it was a good experience. The renovation is almost totally complete and it looks great. There were no long lines and everyone was friendly. No cursing or foul mannered customers either. Actually, it looked like a more upscale crowd than I have ever seen. And, I really like the new entrance with all the glass which allows you to see the skyline while at the checkout. Again, I recommend it for anyone.
June 13, 2008, 7:19 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
After reading everyones comments on here, I had to try this place again. I have been there several times before the renovation, and I would not let my wife and kids go in there. I would drive to Riverside when we needed something. My trip there yesterday has changed my mind totally.. The store looks 10 times better than it used to. The inside was actually clean. The staff was very friendly. The only people the checkout ladies were talking to was the customers. They still have some renovations going on inside, but it's not an inconvenience. The glass on the front of the store does look cool!!! I will start using the store more often now.
June 13, 2008, 9:35 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
There isn't a better spot to pick up all your tailgating supplies on game day either.
June 13, 2008, 10:58 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
Another improvement which really helps the experience both at the store and in downtown at large is they have added in a nice fence which prevents people from just wandering around onto and off of the property and they have an electronic system which prevents the grocery carts from rolling if you try and take them off the premises. So, I hardly ever see stolen grocery carts around downtown anymore.
June 13, 2008, 12:28 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
a sign of the times. so sad. i remember when you used to be able to just take your shopping cart all the way to your house and use it again the next time you are ready to go grocery shopping (or needed to transport your kids to your aunt's house).
June 13, 2008, 1:21 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
or steal a neighborhood blind in the middle of the night.... now it is so hard, having to jerry-rigg a stolen Shands wheelchair to get those potted plants home.
June 13, 2008, 2:38 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
a sign of the times. so sad. i remember when you used to be able to just take your shopping cart all the way to your house and use it again the next time you are ready to go grocery shopping (or needed to transport your kids to your aunt's house).
This used to be known as petty theft.
June 14, 2008, 5:56 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
This past friday was my first visit since the renovation. I was impressed with the way the store looked and the employees were friendly and doing their job. Nevertheless, I was bombarded three times outside of the store for change.
The customers I saw were from just about every economic scale. I feel the store is moving in the right direction. I will definitely shop there again.
June 14, 2008, 9:01 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
Well, I went to the store tonight to buy all my fathers day food supplies. There was an older gentleman who greeted me at the door, he was very friendly. I found everything I needed. Overall, the experience was not bad. It will be nice when they are fnished with the renovation. I wasn't hit up in the parking lot money or anything.
June 15, 2008, 8:45 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
Until they started posting a security guard outside, I would get hit up for change at the Riverside Publix too. So that's nothing new. I don't get why the hired cop at W/D doesn't run the panhandlers off. Isn't that what he's there for? Aside from the shoplifters and purse snatchers and all around bad guys?
June 15, 2008, 10:49 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
probably the same reason the hospital security staff at Shands lets the drunk bums hang out in the patient family waiting areas and even sleep there overnight. cahoots.
June 16, 2008, 2:06 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
If you want Winn Dixie to cater to you, then you have to shop there. Obviously they did this huge renovation to attract people with money too, not vagrants. They have worked hard to make the shopping experience a much better quality. Don't forget its a downtown supermarket, so it will most likely always be a mix of people, thats city livin. I am really happy its there for convenience and I will start shopping there full time. We Springfield residents need a good supermarket, and obviously Publix isn't interested or they would be here. SHOP WINN DIXIE and be a part of helping it make the transition, don't just go once and think its not for you, make a commitment to MAKE Winn Dixie cater to us. If you don't see an item you normally buy, let the manager know. They have now done their part, now its up to us to promote it and shop there.
Its also crucial to give your feedback to the Manager and Winn Dixie home office. If you notice something that should be changed, let them know. I for one have an issue with most of the check out cashiers, they never say hello or good bye, thank you, etc. The Management needs to be on top of quality standards like that, because its all part of the experience. People want to feel welcome, not treated like animal stock.
June 16, 2008, 7:09 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
"There used to be empty beer cans hidden all over the store and in the bathroom. It is amazing how the quality of a store can differ depending on where it is. " I read comments like this and am constantly amazed by them. Gosh, the quality of store can vary on where it is. Comming up next on breaking news, Water is wet
June 16, 2008, 10:58 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
Yep, gave it a try again, too. Went there last eve. Fencing around parking lot improves look of it, but still needs to have an employee out with a "nifty nabber" picking up after folks who aren't sure what a garbage can is for.
New entrance is a big improvement as is the produce department, deli (still in works), and general reorganization of store merchandise. I'd guess there was an employee per aisle moving/re-stocking goods (hoping some new ones for new customers, too). It was crowded at check out, even though there were 2 employees per check-out lane. Still a bit too much chatting amongst themselves, but at least it was clean chatter.
Still needs a good wine section -- it is getting better, but I didn't buy any. Needs two express lanes with good signage/enforcement. Get rid of or improve the lotto/cigarette desk, and it's almost totally acceptable.
Thanks for trying Winn-Dixie!! Keep it up, and you'll become our preferred store.
June 16, 2008, 5:01 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
I have found the store to be much better lately and will continue to support it even though I was a die hard Publix patron. The issue of rude and lazy help is not just a Downtown, or even urban problem. It is found just about everywhere now and is irritating to no end. I don't know how people can talk all day about nothing and not go insane.
June 16, 2008, 7:03 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
lol SG! i think that the talking all day about nothing is actually a SYMPTOM of a mild form of insanity.
June 17, 2008, 8:39 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
While the WD is good in a pinch-- say, sunday morning and i just realized we have no half & half or bacon--, the service/staff there makes it the lesser choice between there and the Riverside Publix. My wife went in one time and the girl at the register was literally scarfing on a candy bracelet attached to her wrist while she checked my wife out-- disgusting. And that's just one example. Like someone above said, lipstick on a pig.
June 17, 2008, 9:21 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
Was this done before or after the conversion? Was this action reported to the store manager? They'll never improve in customer service if the store manager isn't aware.
June 22, 2008, 3:50 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
I worked for the FDLE Crime Lab/ Agent Bureau when we were at 711 Liberty St., directly behind the Winn Dixie. A lunchtime walk to the store was always an eventful trip. Many homeless would migrate from the creek area to the WD parking lot and back, panhandling and generally being, shall we say, entertaining. The store used to have the widest selection of exotic malt beverages I had ever seen. Some brands, I never saw anywhere else. The gauntlet of panhandlers always made their way back to that display case and would DEBATE which maltie was best. Good times. I don't know if Wolfman is still down that way, but Winter or Summer, morning or evening no shoes, no shirt, no service just did not apply to him. Oh and props to the Station 1 guys next door with the hardest job in J-ville showbusiness. Liberty Street drama just keeps on rolling.
June 25, 2008, 6:22 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
The store has seriously changed.
June 25, 2008, 7:48 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
Well good for WD. I think it's awesome to go for the home team. I mean, wouldn't you rather WD make a come back then say have Whole Foods come in to the picture? I love Whole Foods, but WD is more home grown so......go WD!!!
July 1, 2008, 10:38 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
July 1, 2008, 11:01 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
Thanks for the pictures... truthfully... is Winn-Dixie doing well these days? Seems they need to re brand this company, if they want it to succeed because the name Winn-Dixie has become synonymous with subquality, substandard here in Tallahassee. Does anyone else think that a new name/image could bring Winn-Dixie back?
July 1, 2008, 11:46 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
like this??
July 1, 2008, 12:05 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
Based pretty much solely on what has been written here, I gave the WD another chance last week, and I was pleasantly surprised. The final rennovations look great, the staff was overly-friendly, and not a bum in sight. Very much impressed.
July 1, 2008, 12:39 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
I now like Winn-Dixie just as much if not more than Publix. They have a nice shopping experience at all of their renovated stores. And, the fact that they have their HQ in Jax makes it even better.
July 1, 2008, 12:40 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
well said river. I concur completely.
July 1, 2008, 12:57 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
See, that is why I am having trouble, despite the fact that I can admit the dowtown store is nice and well-stocked: I HATE WINN DIXIE.
I don't know what it is: their ugly logo; the cheapness of their WD brand items; the absurdity of their being a major Jaguars sponsor while going through bankruptcy; just the gross feelings I get when I go in their stores; the fact that, growing up, we always shopped at Publix, or Albertson's, or, hell, even nasty Food Lion but NEVER WD. I don't know why, I just do not like WD. And the shitty pseudo-country commercials seem to appeal strictly to rednecks. BUt, i am trying to check that hatred and force myself to use the downtown store-- at leats they had the balls or foresight to be a presence in downtown.
July 1, 2008, 3:00 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
The Big Publix thing was funny!
But seriously... Winn-Dixie needs a name change and a new image... Dixie isn't going to cut it for me.
July 6, 2008, 2:21 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
Then why in the heck are you in Dixie?
July 6, 2008, 2:29 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
"If your heart is not in Dixie then get your ass out"
July 10, 2008, 9:49 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
I was in this store yesterday as part of their Grand (re)Opening celebration. It is truly a different store. They had wine and cheese tastings, a chocolate fountain, and a ton of corporate Winn-Dixie people there.
I purchased a bottle of wine (a Pinot Noir), and I had a pretty big selection - speaks pretty highly of the place.
Now, the test will be to see what it looks like in four months.
July 11, 2008, 7:29 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
That will show if they are serious or not...
July 11, 2008, 11:31 am
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
A promise kept to community
by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
The Market Street Winn-Dixie has completed the transformation from eye sore to eye candy.
Winn-Dixie President and CEO Peter Lynch made a promise about a year ago to create a great store for Downtown customers and he feels that his company has lived up to that obligation.
“I’m very pleased with how this turned out,” said Lynch. “We made a commitment and kept our promise. I really think this will help revitalize this side of the city.”
Full Article:
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=50402
July 11, 2008, 6:02 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
How much time do they have to build their customer base before they have to compete with a fresh market at the Library and one at the Landing?
July 11, 2008, 6:37 pm
Re: A new look for Winn-Dixie
"How much time do they have to build their customer base before they have to compete with a fresh market at the Library and one at the Landing?"
I'd say couple of decades at the least
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