The Winn-Dixie Co. has cut headquarters or operations jobs as it evolves from its multistate Southeastern Grocers reach into a Florida-focused supermarket, with a few stores in Southeast Georgia.
The Jacksonville-based company has fewer than half of the stores, and possibly just a third, of the number it controlled before Southeastern Grocers sold 400 locations to discount grocer Aldi in 2024.
Winn-Dixie has not confirmed which departments or how many jobs are affected.
In response to a question about a potential layoff in its information technology department, Senior Director of Communications and Community Meredith Hurley provided a statement by email.
“As our business evolves, we’ve made the difficult decision to rescale our Store Support Center teams to strengthen operations and position the company for long-term success,” she wrote.
“We recognize the significance of this decision and remain committed to handling the transition with care and respect. Impacted associates will receive a comprehensive support package to help navigate this process,” she wrote.
“Looking ahead, we remain focused on serving our customers and communities while building a stronger future as The Winn-Dixie Company.”
Asked for more information, Hurley then responded further.
“We carefully consider every single role when making tough decisions as our transformation advances. Our focus remains on supporting those affected with care and respect while ensuring our business is positioned for long-term success,” she wrote.
“We recognize the personal impact of these decisions and are committed to providing fair compensation, extended health benefits and access to career resources. We deeply appreciate the dedication of all associates and value their contributions to our company.”
Winn-Dixie has not responded to questions about which departments and how many associates are affected.
No WARN notice
The state Rapid Response System with the Florida Department of Commerce has not reported a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Notice from the company.
The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act requires employers to provide notification 60 calendar days in advance of covered plant closings and mass layoffs.
Employers also provide notice to their local government.
In general, employers are covered by the WARN Act if they have 100 or more employees, not counting employees who have worked fewer than six months in the last 12 months and not counting employees who work an average of less than 20 hours per week.
It’s not clear if The Winn-Dixie Co. layoffs would trigger the requirement for filing a notice.
The city of Jacksonville said Feb. 3 it is unaware of job cuts at Winn-Dixie.
“We have not received any information and are not aware of any new developments. We refer you to Winn-Dixie for questions,” said city Chief Communications Officer Phil Perry by email.
From 400 to 170 stores and counting down
Southeastern Grocers announced Jan. 21 that it became The Winn-Dixie Co., “uniting the organization and its stores under the name generations of families know and trust.”
“It’s a bold next step for a century-old brand, focused on strengthening neighborhoods, delivering standout value and service and showing up for the communities that have long called Winn-Dixie their hometown grocer.”
The Winn-Dixie Co. emerged as the new name for Southeastern Grocers, which sold 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi to German retailer Aldi in March 2024.
Less than a year later, in February 2025, a consortium of private investors – led by Southeastern CEO Anthony Hucker – acquired Southeastern Grocers in a deal that included about 170 Winn-Dixie stores in those five states, along with the chain’s liquor store business.
Southeastern Grocers said Oct. 21 it was shedding most of its stores outside Florida to focus on its home state. It said it would continue to operate South Georgia stores in Brunswick, Folkston, Lake Park, St. Simons Island and Valdosta.
It said it agreed to sell at least 32 Winn-Dixie and eight Harveys Supermarkets in Alabama, Georgia. Louisiana and Mississippi to other grocers, who appear to be regional chains.
The company didn’t say how many stores it would close or sell. It did say that the store closings are expected to be completed by year-end, with all banner transitions anticipated by early 2026.
Those 170 stores along with the 40 sold regionally takes the total to 130.
Aldi, with U.S. headquarters in Batavia, Illinois, kept about 220 of the stores with plans to complete the brand transformation by the end of 2027.
Aldi expanding
Aldi has about 2,400 U.S. stores and said the Southeastern Grocers acquisition was part of a plan to add 800 stores nationwide by 2028 through new openings and store conversions.
The conversions so far appear to be at least doubling Aldi’s presence in Northeast Florida.
Aldi had 13 stores before the first SEG conversion. Aldi has acquired at least 14 Northeast Florida stores from Southeastern Grocers for conversion.
Aldi has at least 20 stores open in Northeast Florida, comprising 12 in Duval County; three each in Clay and St. Johns counties; and two in Nassau County.
It is catching up to Winn-Dixie.
Winn-Dixie.com shows at least 28 stores in Northeast Florida, including three liquor stores and one supermarket that has been identified for conversion into Aldi.
Winn-Dixie also moved its headquarters from Prominence Office Park in Baymeadows to Edgewood Court in Westside, where it previously was based.
In November 2025, Hurley said associates “are in the process of moving to the Edgewood location. Jacksonville will continue to serve as our Store Support Center for at least the interim as we thoughtfully evaluate long-term options throughout the Florida markets we serve.”