Food Lion Takes Over Five Southern Georgia Stores

Suppliers and job seekers tied to these locations should plan for new ordering relationships and hiring as stores reopen in mid-December.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Retail

Food Lion Takes Over Five Southern Georgia Stores

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Food Lion agreed to purchase five Winn-Dixie stores across Southern Georgia, with the stores set to convert and reopen under Food Lion in mid-December. The deal is part of the grocer's push past its 2026 growth target, and Food Lion expects to hire roughly 375 associates across the five new locations.

Why it matters

For operators in Georgia's grocery and retail sectors, the acquisition signals active consolidation of regional store footprints as a grocer expands past its original plan. Stores stay open as Winn-Dixie until closing requirements are met, so the transition affects staffing and supplier relationships on a defined timetable.

Food Lion's five-store purchase lifts its 2026 new-store count to a projected 15, up from an original goal of 10. The deal is expected to add roughly 375 associates across the acquired locations. The purchase price was not disclosed in the announcement.

The players

Food Lion

A Salisbury, N.C.-based regional supermarket chain operating a large store network across the Southeast, expanding through new openings and acquisitions.

The Winn-Dixie Company

A Jacksonville-area supermarket operator that is selling five Southern Georgia stores as part of this transaction.

The details

Food Lion has entered an agreement with The Winn-Dixie Company to buy five Winn-Dixie stores in Southern Georgia. Winn-Dixie continues operating the stores until the transaction closes, after which they will be converted and reopened under the Food Lion banner in mid-December. The acquired locations include stores in Brunswick, Folkston, Lake Park, Simons Island and Valdosta.

2026: Food Lion's original target of 10 new stores for the year.
Mid-December 2026: Acquired stores convert and reopen under Food Lion.
End of 2026: Food Lion reaches a projected 15 new stores.

Market Landscape

The deal follows Food Lion's own stated 2026 growth goal of 10 new stores, which it is now set to exceed by acquiring existing locations rather than only opening new ones. Buying operating stores from a competitor lets a grocer enter or deepen its presence in a market faster than building from scratch.

Georgia suppliers and vendors serving Winn-Dixie's Southern Georgia stores should plan for a change in buyer and ordering relationships once the transaction closes and stores reopen under Food Lion in mid-December. Local businesses in the affected communities may see new hiring activity, with roughly 375 associates expected across the five locations.

The takeaway

Track the closing date and the reopening timeline, since the stores remain Winn-Dixie until the deal completes. Vendors and staffing partners in Southern Georgia should confirm contract and ordering terms with the appropriate party as conversion approaches.