to result in additional job openings

By MICHELLE WILSON

Staff Writer

Dec. 20, 1999 10 PM

Although the name of its location fools some customers, Winn Dixie at Troy Marketplace Shopping Center will be "a regular store" until the end of 2000.

That’s when company officials expect to finish remodeling that will expand the grocery store into a "marketplace-style" format, said Gary H. Peters, location manager of Troy’s Winn Dixie.

The Marketplace will offer a larger variety of merchandise and services than regular Winn Dixies, Peters said.

To help with the expanded facilities, Peters said he anticipates adding new positions.

"We will add several positions to accommodate our customers and to help once the expansion is complete," he said. "We can’t say an exact number, but we do anticipate adding employees."

Several current departments, including floral, frozen foods and meats will be expanded as part of the remodeling project. The deli/bakery department will be turned into two separate departments, he said. A cheese shop and a pharmacy will be added.

"We are expanding the store to better serve the needs of our customers," Peters said. "We will have more room for product displays and items we have had requests for."

Peters said his company, which has headquarters in Jacksonville, Fla., is excited about the expansion.

Construction began in November, and Peters expects it to take about a year before the marketplace is complete. Once complete, the store will be a 42,000 square foot facility, a 10,000-foot jump from its existing 31,700 square feet.

The site of the store’s expansion formerly housed Spring Fresh cleaners. Peters said the cleaners closed and Winn Dixie took over a lease on the property.

Peters said he expects Winn Dixie’s expansion into the Marketplace format will bring in shoppers who are not current customers.

He does not expect Winn Dixie’s remodeling project to temporarily deter shoppers.

"The contractors are used to working at locations that are open and creating a minimal disturbance to the customer," Peters said. "Please excuse the temporary inconvenience because it will be worth it in the long run."