Over the years, officials from Winn-Dixie have listened to their customers’ feedback regarding more items and products, as well as an enhanced shopping experience.
To give their guests exactly that, the company officially unveiled on Sept. 23 a newly remodeled store at 4400 Hardy Street in Hattiesburg that will allow guests to experience the store’s new look, expanded offerings and savings.
“We wanted to give back to the community of Hattiesburg because they’ve given us so much,” said Lynn Rushing, Winn-Dixie regional vice president for Mississippi and Alabama. “We recognized the need to increase product assortment, we recognized that they needed a pharmacy, a full-service floral department, and we just wanted to give that to the community.”
Enhancements to the store include new outdoor signage and a fresh, contemporary color palette with modern store signage inside and a newly updated farm-fresh produce section featuring an expanded selection of fruits and vegetables, including organic offerings.
There’s also an expanded grocery selection with additional products and assortments and an expanded seafood department. The seafood department offers a variety of fresh seafood on ice and additional frozen assortments, as well as the “Seafood Made Easy” option where customers can choose the type of seafood, vegetables and seasoning to be packaged together for easy preparation at home.
“We’ve expanded (the department); we’ve got full service,” Rushing said. “The variety we’ve got is incredible, and our community has taken to this department, and they’re supporting it. It’s just amazing how much people appreciate being able to find fresh seafood at a great price, so we’re very proud of that.”
The store also features an expanded deli with an upgraded meat case and grab-and-go meal options, including sandwiches, and a new floral department with bouquets and other arrangements.
“We did not have that (floral department) in the store before, so we’re very happy to have that department,” Rushing said. “We have a very experienced, seasoned florist that can take care of all of the community’s floral needs, from weddings to funerals to proms, so we’re very proud of that.”
In addition, customers can find an expanded bakery department with new selections, displays and fresh bread daily, along with a New Natural & Organic section with a selection of gluten-free and allergen-free products exclusive to Winn-Dixie.
Also included in the remodel is a new pharmacy.
“We absolutely recognize that we needed a pharmacy in this community, and we’re very proud to have that there in that corner of the store,” Rushing said. “We’ve got a seasoned team running it, and the community has really let us know how much they appreciate it.”
The new store, which is open from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. seven days a week, will continue to abide by all protocols and practices regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, including social distancing and requiring masks in the store.
“(Our customers) are absolutely thrilled,” Rushing said. “They just continuously thank us for what we’ve done for their store and their community.
“They absolutely appreciate it, and they thank us for giving them everything they needed: the added seafood, the added floral department and the enhanced variety that we’ve got now in our deli and bakery. So many times, we think that customers come in and they have a list and that’s all they want. But they appreciate having a wide variety to choose from.”
Winn-Dixie also has partnered with Lighthouse Rescue Mission to help provide life skills, along with training and spiritual guidance, to women and children who are victims of domestic violence. The company also partners with Southern Pines Animal Shelter to support the organization in providing humane shelter for homeless cats and dogs.
“Winn-Dixie has established a history of commitment and service to the Hattiesburg community,” Rushing said. “This investment reflects our deep roots in the area and echoes our dedication to giving locals a shopping experience they deserve.”
